Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Reuters NewMedia - November 26, 2001
Paul Majendie

"HIV and AIDS touches everyone, it kills without conscience, rich or poor, black or white, young or old," he said, launching a documentary on the perils of AIDS, to be beamed to almost 600 million people by the pop music channel MTV.

"More than ever before, we need to focus on what unites us, not divides us," the controversial singer said in a statement about the "Staying Alive" documentary that will be aired on Dec. 1, World Aids Day.

The documentary tours the world from Stockholm to Goa, from Buenos Aires to Phnom Penh, pinpointing the plight of HIV and AIDS sufferers battling disease, ignorance and intolerance.

"I'm pretty angry with myself because I allowed myself to let it happen when it was easy to avoid it," said Swedish HIV sufferer John Winberg. "It's so easy to protect yourself from the HIV virus," he added.

In Perth, Australia, 15-year-old [Editor's note: Name withheld] tells how he contracted HIV from mother to child transmission. Pleading for understanding, he said: "I see myself as a normal guy. The only difference is I take tablets."

Cambodian AIDS victim Leap Srey Luch said she believes she will die soon because she cannot afford the medicines she needs.

"I really want to take them but I don't have the money," she said.

The hedonistic world of pop may be the ultimate symbol of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. But MTV believes it can still educate its audience in between the sexy videos.

For its AIDS campaign every year, the international cable network tries to pick a star its youthful audience can identify with.

Latin heartthrob Ricky Martin may epitomize raw sex in his music video performances, but MTV believed the high-fidelitysuperstar was the perfect choice last year to preach safe sex to teen-agers around the world.

This year MTV picked Combs. Bill Roedy, president of MTV Networks International, urged stations around the world to pick up and broadcast the documentary the star is fronting.

"With young people accounting for 50 percent of new HIV infections, MTV will continue to dedicate its airwaves ... to communicating prevention, anti-discrimination and awareness messages to help them avoid infection," Roedy said.

MTV is airing the documentary to more than 365 million households in 139 countries. Other broadcasters have pledged to put the film out to more than 200 million households.
011126
RE011140

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .