BRIDGETOWN, March 6: The International Cricket Council (ICC) will team up with UNAIDS, UNICEF and the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 to highlight the situation of children and young people living with and affected by HIV.

More than two billion television viewers are expected to tune in to the seven-week long cricket gala, which begins with an opening ceremony on March 11 in Jamaica.

Activities at the event will draw attention to the issues facing children and young people affected by HIV and highlight the resources and actions required to address them. The public, especially young people aged 15-24, will get information on the stigma and discrimination around HIV and on how to protect themselves against the virus.

The partnership is part of the ICC’s commitment to promoting the Spirit of Cricket and its positive impact on society.

“The Spirit of Cricket is a special part of our game and is a concept that stretches beyond the boundaries of the outfield,” said ICC President Percy Sonn. “We hope the range of activities delivered at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 will make a difference to raising awareness and reducing stigma around HIV in the Caribbean and across the ever-growing cricket world.”

Players and officials from each team will wear the red and blue ribbon of the Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign during their first games and during the final. —Agencies