UNAIDS Press Release - April 26, 2004

The actor and martial arts expert, who is based in Hong Kong, has agreed to take time out of his hectic schedule to help UNICEF and UNAIDS in trying to arrest the spread of HIV/AIDS. Mr. Chan is also interested in advancing the cause for children, especially children affected by armed conflict.

"UNICEF is delighted that Jackie Chan has signed up to be a Goodwill Ambassador. His worldwide fame and popularity will assist UNICEF enormously in its work for children," said Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF.

"UNAIDS welcomes Jackie Chan as a champion in our fight against HIV/AIDS especially in Asia where the epidemic is growing rapidly," said Dr Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director. UNICEF is one of the co-sponsors of UNAIDS.

Jackie Chan is currently in Cambodia to visit HIV/AIDS and landmine awareness projects. His visit will undoubtedly raise the profile of these issues both within Cambodia and abroad.

Jackie Chan, whose blockbuster movies include Rumble in the Bronx and The Medallion, rose to fame from humble origins in Hong Kong. Trained from the age of seven in classical Chinese opera, he worked as a stuntman before fighting his way through to film stardom in both Hong Kong and Hollywood. His films blend action and humour in a mix that has delighted millions across the world.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors are celebrities with a demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of children. Highly talented in their individual right, they all share an ability to bring childrenÆs issues to global attention, to galvanise support from the public and leading decision makers and to raise urgently needed funds for vital UNICEF programmes. Among the earliest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors were such legends as Danny Kaye and Audrey Hepburn. Today, the roster of distinguished screen stars includes Whoopi Goldberg, Tetsuko Kuroyanagi and Sir Roger Moore

UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors represent the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, which coordinates the HIV/AIDS work of UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank. They raise the profile of HIV work and the fight against stigma and discrimination on HIV issues for every affected population around the world.

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For more information, please contact Dominique De Santis, UNAIDS, Geneva, (+41 22) 791 4509 or Patrick McCormick, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific, (+66 2) 356 940, or mobile (+66 1) 906 0813.

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