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TV Stars Lead by Example
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Photo: Barker McCormack, PSI Zimbabwe
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The cast and crew of the
popular Zimbabwean
television drama “Studio 263”
received voluntary HIV
testing and counseling.
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The most popular television drama in Zimbabwean
history is “Studio 263,” a USAID-supported show
that incorporates HIV and AIDS themes into its
script. The message that people can live positively
and healthily with HIV is highlighted by the
character of Tendayi, an HIV-positive woman who
seeks support from her family and friends.
Tendayi and other characters have become
powerful and effective promoters of HIV testing and
prevention, so the cast and crew thought there was
no better way to celebrate two years on the air than
with a month of community outreach to raise
awareness about HIV.
Using testimonials from the actors about their
experience, public service advertisements ran from
November 19 to December 1, 2004 — World AIDS
Day. And after activities at hospitals, orphanages
and hospices, the month culminated in a visit to a
New Start Center, where the cast and crew were
counseled and tested for HIV. Over the next few
weeks, more than 18,000 clients visited the New
Start network — the highest number ever recorded in one
month.
USAID’s New Start Centers offer skilled counselors, test kits
and referrals for medical and nutritional services to
Zimbabweans, who struggle with a 25 percent rate of HIV
infection nationwide.
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