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Korean superstar Rain (known as Bpi in Korea) is calling for awareness and action on HIV and AIDS
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At his Ho Chi Minh City concerts over the weekend, Korean Pop superstar Rain took the opportunity to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among Vietnamese people.
Rain was appointed HIV/AIDS ambassador by World Vision Korea in December 2006. As World Vision’s ambassador, Rain will help World Vision promote its HIV/AIDS prevention activities with the objective of building a world free of the HIV epidemic.
Throughout his "Rain 06/07 World Tour" series, Rain has used his star power to appeal for help on behalf of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS through his song titled “Friends”, composed specially for this purpose.
“I agreed to take up this challenge when I realized that HIV/AIDS has done so much damage in our society’” said Rain earlier this year.
“Eight thousand children are orphaned by HIV/AIDS everyday and over 14 million children have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS every year. Devastation caused by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa during 1990’s could be repeated here in Asia unless we intervene swiftly,” he added.
Rain will be traveling to over 20 cities through 12 countries including the United States, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Since 2005, more than 3 million people have succumbed to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As much as almost 40 million people are coping to live with the tragedy.
Born in impoverished conditions with barely enough to eat, children living in high HIV/AIDS-prevalent communities where one generation could be wiped out under the HIV/AIDS epidemic, face incredible challenges.
Daniel Selvanayagam, National Director of World Vision Vietnam said, “We believe that Rain will be able to raise HIV/AIDS awareness among young people during the concert tour. As the ambassador, he will be able to convey a strong message on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care as well as to appeal for support to help children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Part of the proceeds from the concert ticket sales will be channeled towards HIV/AIDS projects in Asia.
More about Rain's Asia tour
More about HIV and AIDS in Asia
