Poster Contest Celebrates Life on World AIDS Day 2008
Youth Encouraged to Join Fight against HIV/AIDS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Today, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) hosted a World AIDS Day Poster Contest at the U.S. Embassy, where students created artwork reflecting the theme, “Celebrate Life.” 

In countless communities throughout Ethiopia, in partnership with the American people, courageous individuals are choosing life, saving the lives of their fellow countrymen and women, and creating hope for a future free of HIV/AIDS.   The involvement and mobilization of youth are essential to the success of the fight against HIV/AIDS. 

Forty-five students, age 10 to 14, selected from nine local schools will be participating in the Poster Contest.  First place posters will be displayed as part of the “Celebrate Life” exhibit in Washington, DC and around the world.  In addition, first to third place winners will receive awards and a special certificate from PEPFAR/Ethiopia recognizing their achievement.  Judges for the competition included local artists and U.S. Embassy officials.

Marking World AIDS Day, U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto and his wife Margaret welcomed students to the poster contest held in the garden at their home.  Ambassador Yamamoto said, “We celebrate the people living with HIV/AIDS, whose hope for a brighter future has been restored by life-saving treatment, and who have now dedicated themselves to preventing the spread of HIV and to serving others living with the virus.”

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the largest commitment to combat a single disease in history. Through PEPFAR, the U.S. Government has provided $18.8 billion in HIV/AIDS funding worldwide, with a reauthorization of up to U.S.$48 billion for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria over the next five years, 2008-2013. Since 2004 PEPFAR has provided more than U.S.$850 million for care, treatment and prevention to Ethiopia.  Ethiopia is the fourth-largest country receiving PEPFAR funds. 

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