Shakib Al Hasan pledged to continue his fight to save generations by inspiring them to “think wise” and to take right decision about HIV while talking at a press conference as Think Wise campaign spokesperson yesterday.
The Bangladesh all-rounder, along with other Bangladesh national cricket players, spent some time with HIV positive victim children at the SHer-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday and played cricket with them.
A total of 16 matches of the upcoming ICC World Twenty20, including two semi-finals and the final, will be dedicated to the Think Wise campaign, the worldwide initiative of raising awareness against HIV and AIDS. The players and officials will wear red ribbons during those games where players will also take HIV victim children to the field before the game starts. Shakib will also spread the messages regarding HIV and AIDS awareness during the prize giving ceremonies at the world T20 starting from March 16 to April 6.
“I feel privileged to be a part of the Think Wise campaign. As a sportsperson I know how far-reaching an impact we can make in addressing key issues like HIV and AIDS, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh,” said Shakib.
“We know that HIV and AIDS is present in every continent and that cricket can be a very powerful force against social stigma, ignorance and discrimination- factors that contribute to increased vulnerability to HIV infection,” he added.
UNICEF representative Pascal Villeneuve and UNAIDS country director Leo Kenny also spoke on the occasion.