2009 witnessed the support of Malaysian AIDS Council, Taylor’s University College, popular radio stations hitz.fm and MY FM; whom got together to officially launch the Yes Yes Yes To Safe Sex campaign filled with fun games and student performances; each creatively choreographed to spread HIV/AIDS prevention messages.
“With this campaign, we strongly urge young people to take action and protect themselves from HIV. There is an urgency to educate them on the importance of protecting themselves and being responsible for their own actions; therefore minimising the risk of contracting HIV and STD infections. We believe with everyone’s active participation, we will be able to curb the spread of this epidemic,” said Datin Mina Cheah-Foong, Managing Director of The Body Shop® West Malaysia.
MTV VJ Utt lends his personal support to the campaign with a special appearance at the launch event. He strongly feels that youth plays a major role in stopping the virus from swelling to an uncontrollable state.
“You can’t tell if a person has been infected with HIV. Latest UNAIDS statistics shows that half of all HIV/AIDS infections are contracted from the 15 -24 age group with over 3,000 new HIV infections every day. With HIV/AIDS, there is no cure, only prevention. Awareness and protection is crucial against the spread of infection,” said Utt.
MTV supported these campaigns by running TV advertisements across all its networks to over 508 million households in 160 countries.
The campaign also supports the Staying Alive Foundation, a charity founded by MT V that promotes and supports young people everywhere who are protecting themselves and their communities against the multiple threats posted by HIV and AIDS. The Foundation makes small grants to young people and youth-led projects who have created innovative projects in their communities, schools, youth centres and clubs, using radio, TV, print, digital and personal interaction to reach at-risk youth and keep them safe from HIV.
