A United Nations-backed campaign to raise awareness about malaria - which
claims over 1 million lives annually - has a starring role on the season
premiere of the hit United States television comedy, "Ugly Betty."
Airing on 16 October, the two-hour special will centre around the efforts by
the main character, Betty Suarez, a young woman recently promoted to become
the features editor at a fashion magazine, to draw attention to the "Nothing
But Nets" scheme.
Under that campaign, the UN Foundation (<"http://www.unfoundation.org/">UNF)
seeks to curb the spread of malaria by providing insecticide-treated bed
nets, each costing $10, to communities in greatest need.
Malaria infects over 500 million people worldwide annually, killing more
than 1 million people, the vast majority of whom are African children.
UNF is excited that the television show "chose to spread the buzz" about its
campaign, said Elizabeth McKee Gore, the organization's Executive Director
of Global Partnerships and "Nothing But Nets."
To date, the campaign, which started in 2006, has resulted in the
distribution of more than 2 million bed nets in Africa, she said, voicing
hope that its appearance on the programme will generate more interest in
preventing the spread of malaria.
"Our storyline resonated with every member of our cast and crew," said
Richard Heusfrom, the show's Executive Director.
One of the stars of "Ugly Betty," Ana Ortiz, who recently gave birth to her
first child, said that being a new mother has opened her eyes to the need to
help vulnerable children around the world.
Highlighting the need to "think globally and act globally," Ms. Ortiz said
at a press conference, also attended by her co-stars Judith Light and Tony
Plana, that "any publicity we can bring to [the campaign] is wonderful."
"Ugly Betty" is the first-ever television comedy series to be filmed at the
UN, and its shooting came about through the world body's Creative Community
Outreach Initiative (CCOI).
The scheme seeks to serve as a liaison between the UN and producers,
directors, writers and new media professionals. "Television and film are
power media by which new audiences can learn about global issues," said
Under-Secretary-General Kiyotaka Akasaka.
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