Some of TV and movie’s hottest stars have come together in an effort to mobilize youth to join the fight against HIV and AIDS. Global advocacy organization ONE has created “Coming Together As ONE.” The PSA (see below) launched online and on television this week to coincide with the ONE Campus Challenge, a nationwide competition to encourage college students to organize and mobilize against global poverty and disease.
The video created by filmmaker Jesse Dylan (the brainchild behind the award-winning Yes We Can Barack Obama campaign video collaboration with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas) features young Hollywood’s brightest stars: Leighton Meester, Jessica Szohr and Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl; Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed and Jackson Rathbone from Twilight; and Hayden Panettiere from Heroes among others.
In 2002, Africa continued to face declining aid and awareness with only 50,000 (or less than 1 percent) of those infected able to access AIDS medication. ONE began its work with policy experts, leaders and activists to create a dialogue with input from the public. New statistics show that more than 3 million HIV-infected Africans now have access to medication and care.
“I think young people understand the issues facing our global community. Their ideas and actions can bring about change. I wanted to deliver the message in a way that was current, reflected their voice, and conveyed urgency,” said Dylan in a statement.
Check out the video here and there is also a button where you can use your Google checkout to make a donation. Consider it, especially on this special day. For more information please visit www.ONE.org.
Image courtesy of ONE.org