PEPFAR launches ‘Heroes Save Lives’ contest

Feb 14, 2010 News

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has earmarked US$52 million for Guyana in its 2009-2013 programme, is hosting a contest to highlight the contribution of outstanding individuals or organisations in the fight against global HIV/AIDS.

The “Heroes Save Lives: PEPFAR Heroes, Going Above and Beyond” contest calls for nominations of individuals and groups who have profoundly affected the AIDS community through their work with HIV/AIDS programmes supported by the United States.

The Heroes Save Lives Contest recognises outstanding individuals that serve those affected and infected with HIV/AIDS.

To nominate an individual or organisation, individuals should address their nomination packets, containing the profile of their PEPFAR heroes: The Public Affairs Assistant – PEPDAR, Embassy of the United States of America, Georgetown.

These nomination packets should be delivered to the Embassy’s Young Street entrance. Any electronic information must be submitted on a CD. Entries close on Friday, March 19, 2010.

The top heroes will be highlighted through success stories, website features, exhibits and other venues.

Additionally, selected heroes will have their stories showcased at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria, and posted on PEPFAR.gov and YouTube.

Launched in 2003, PEPFAR is the largest effort by any nation to combat a single disease. PEPFAR has achieved remarkable success in expanding access to HIV prevention, care and treatment in low-resource settings.

As of September 30, 2009, PEPFAR directly supported antiretroviral treatment for over 2.4 million people. In FY 2009 alone, PEPFAR directly supported more than 11 million people with care and support programmes.

Throughout its history, PEPFAR supported prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes, allowing nearly 340,000 babies of HIV-positive mothers to be born HIV-free.