Africa Alive! YOUTHAIDS (AA!YA) - Global

AA!YA's first step together will be as beneficiaries of the "What's Going On" project sponsored by Artists Against AIDS Worldwide (AAAW), a group of recording artists who seek to focus attention on the global epidemic that kills 5,000 Africans each day. Artists involved in AAAW include Bono, Britney Spears, Destiny's Child and others who recently re-recorded Marvin Gaye's classic "What's Going On" as a call to action to stop the spread of AIDS in Africa. AAAW was founded by AIDS activist Leigh Blake, who in 1989 co-founded the Red Hot organization, which also engaged artists in the fight against AIDS. More information can be found at the AAAW website [no longer available - 2014].

The new recording will be promoted and sold through production of a super-single, CD and 2002 concert. A percentage of the proceeds will go to AA!YA for their HIV/AIDS prevention and advocacy programmes in Africa. Other beneficiaries include the Global AIDS Alliance and the Hope for African Children Initiative.

The three organisations hope that by combining their HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy efforts, they can achieve maximum impact and ensure a healthy future for African youth. According to the World Health Organization, young adults aged 15 to 24 in the hardest-hit areas will account for more than 50% of new HIV infections in the next decade. AA!YA believes young adults are on the frontlines of fighting HIV/AIDS and they must be further supported and empowered. AA!YA's programs involve young adults in setting the agenda for prevention programmes by creating opportunities for young people to advocate, to act, to protect themselves and to make a difference.