MTV unites people on World AIDS Day

The MTV Staying Alive Foundation will today host a live debate to connect people around the world and address HIV and AIDS issues

On the 30th anniversary of Britain's first Aids diagnosis, the MTV Staying Alive Foundation is hosting its unique Shuga Talks to connect people around the world through live film screenings in Nairobi, Kenya and Washington D.C.

Following the screenings of the MTV drama Shuga, audience members and those watching at home will have the opportunity to participate in a live satellite debate to engage with other people around the world concerned with HIV and AIDS issues.

'MTV Staying Alive is dedicated to creating new and innovative ways to empower young people engaged in fighting the stigma, spread and threat of the HIV and AIDS epidemic around the world,' says Georgia Arnold, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

'Shuga is an authentic, provocative piece of entertainment, and with initiatives like Shuga Talks, we are encouraging young people to explore important HIV and AIDS issues in unexpected ways.'

Hosted by BET entertainer Big Tigger in Washington D.C. and MTV Africa VJ Kule Ekirapa in Nairobi, viewers will have the chance to tune in to the debate that will be streamed live at www.mtvshuga.com/shugatalks, or get involved on Twitter at #shugatalks.

First premiering last year in Kenya and Zambia and reaching 96 per cent of the top 50 HIV/AIDS-impacted countries, Shuga is a hard-hitting three-part drama series set in Nairobi, Kenya, that follows the lives, loves and ambitions of six college students.

According to John Hopkins Research conducted shortly after the launch, an incredible 80 per cent of viewers believed the drama changed their thinking about HIV and the stigma attached.

Over 86,500 people in the UK are currently living with HIV, with the World Health Organisation estimating a world-wide epidemic of 30 million adults and 3 million children.

The second series, Shuga: Love, Sex Money, will premier on 14th February 2012.

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