PRESS RELEASE

February 9, 2009

U.S. Embassy Seeks Entries for Photo Contest on HIV/AIDS Awareness

The U.S. Embassy to Vietnam is seeking entries from university and college students in Hanoi for a photo contest entitled "HIV in Your Eyes". Funding for this activity is provided through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Since 2004, the United States has provided more than US $232 million for programs in Vietnam through PEPFAR and its implementing agencies. Organized by the U.S. Embassy in collaboration with media partner T&A Communications, the contest aims to raise awareness of HIV-related issues among university and college students and to promote their involvement in activities to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam.

Successful entries will creatively illustrate ways to fight stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, and will portray ways in which HIV-positive people successfully lead normal and productive lives.  Photos may also depict student awareness and involvement in HIV-related activities. The contest will accept entries from February 15 to March 15, 2009. Short-listed entries will be exhibited at the National Library for a week before the Award Ceremony, which is scheduled for early April 2009 in Hanoi.

For the contest rules and other related information, please visit the contest website at
http://HIV-photocontest.com or contact:

Ms. Bui Thi Minh Tam - T&A Communications

8th floor, 15 Ho Xuan Huong, Hanoi
Tel: (+84) 38223914 (Ext 204)
Email: minhtam@ta.com.vn