Andhra Pradesh government to distribute Telugu and English HIV software featuring Indian film stars
We are pleased to announce the immediate availability and distribution of the newest round of TeachAids HIV and AIDS prevention software for India, featuring the voices and animated likenesses of film stars Shabana Azmi, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Shruti Haasan, Anushka Shetty, Navdeep Pallapollu and Swati.
“When I first learned about this research-driven approach, it was clear that using animated characters was an innovative way to communicate simple biological concepts around virus transfer to people of all ages. I am proud to be part of the TeachAids movement and am confident that many people around the world will benefit from their tireless efforts,” said Shabana Azmi.
The software is available for free and will also be disseminated by NGOs and governments throughout India. Notably, the State AIDS Control Society of Andhra Pradesh, home to 84 million people, will distribute 25,000 copies throughout the school systems in urban, rural and tribal areas.
“It was not too long ago that HIV-positive children were expelled from their schools due to a lack of basic HIV and AIDS knowledge. I am proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative that will bring greater awareness to the masses,” said Nagarjuna Akkinenni.
The Linear (non-interactive) versions of the software are available on YouTube
“We are immensely proud that the TeachAids software will bring about a greater understanding of these fundamental concepts and issues in a more culturally-sensitive manner,” said Mona Jaishima, Senior Advocacy Director of Heroes Project, a TeachAids partner organization.
The renowned production studio Annapurna Studios has generously donated the use of the hit song “Mass” from Nagarjuna’s film Mass. The development of the software was funded by Nimmagadda Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of former Matrix Laboratories CEO and AIDS treatment pioneer Nimmagadda Prasad, and was announced last year on World AIDS Day. TeachAIDS is partnered with VenSat, a world-class animation company with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Hyderabad, and Chennai, to create all of the new animations at a generously subsidized rate.
Photo: Indian celebrities Shabana Azmi, Nagarjuna Akkineni and Anushka Shetty juxtaposed next to their TeachAids animated caricatures — featured in the English and Telugu Interactive and Linear animations.