ManU backs UNICEF AIDS drive in Asia/Africa

English Premier League club, Manchester United, is participating in a new UN campaign to focus global attention on children hit by HIV-AIDS. UNICEF's campaign aims to raise awareness of the plight of millions of youngsters who, the agency says, are going forgotten amid a focus on adults affected by AIDS. More than 85 percent of children under 15 living with HIV are in sub-Saharan Africa, with South and East Asia the other hardest-hit regions.

"We today announce our firm commitment to focus efforts on the issue of AIDS affecting children," ManU manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, told media. "We recognise that AIDS is one of the biggest challenges facing mankind today. At Manchester United we know about reaching out to young people. We have many players who, we believe, are responsible as role models for the younger generation. These players can reach out and communicate vital messages on HIV/AIDS," he added.