Cricket heroes go out to bat for HIV awareness at ICC WT20

Rallying support for the campaign known named ‘Think Wise’ — an initiative of the ICC,UNAIDS and UNICEF – stars from the South African Cricket team,including JP Duminy and Wayne Parnell,interacted with young people living with,affected by and/or working on preventing HIV here this afternoon.

“Through cricket we can reach two millions of people and the message is clear: Let’s talk more about HIV,let’s get informed. We know that stigma kills. Let’s ‘Think Wise’ don’t stigmatize,” Sehwag said.

Match officials at the Women’s T20 are all sporting the ‘Think Wise’ message on their on­field clothing.

ICC CEO David Richardson said,”The profile and reach of the ICC World T20 gives us an opportunity to raise awareness and reduce stigma about HIV and AIDS and,along with the players,we are delighted to help this cause.”

“Stigma and discrimination undermine our vision of AIDS -­ free generation. This can be realised only if we all respect the rights of those living with or affected by HIV and AIDS,” said Rachel Odede,HIV Advisor in the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia.