press releases

U.S. Supports Hiv/Aids Training For Zambian Artists Nationwide

Lusaka
February 3, 2006

Ambassador Carmen Martinez with some local artists who attended the event

United States Ambassador to Zambia Carmen Martinez on Friday, February 3rd opened a National Arts Council “Leaders’ Meeting” focused on the role of artists in fighting HIV/AIDS. With funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the National Arts Council is running a nationwide campaign to provide HIV/AIDS peer educator training to Zambian artists. The campaign will be managed by a Lusaka-based non-governmental organization, Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Management Program (CHAMP).

Thirty leaders in the arts, led by National Arts Council Chairman Mulenga Kapwepwe, discussed the future HIV/AIDS policy of their organization. They also offered input for the artist workplace training programs that will be conducted by CHAMP all over Zambia.

Ambassador Martinez underscored the important role that artists play in influencing behavior change in society.

“Artists are a special community in Zambia… Artists have the power to influence people, to change the way that people think and act. Artists can make a tremendous difference in the struggle against HIV/AIDS in Zambia today. They can sing or act or write about HIV/AIDS,” Ambassador Martinez said

She also said that artists can use their art to support and encourage those who are living positively with HIV/AIDS and thereby decrease stigma. She said that artists can set a positive example for the young people who look up to them.

The same PEPFAR grant provided funding in December to sponsor a new category at the 2005 Ngoma Awards. The new award, “Most Socially Conscious Artist” was presented to three groups of artists who had best used their talents for the good of society by promoting HIV/AIDS prevention messages. Winners were selected by the National Arts Council.