Friday, December 2, 2011

Alicia Keys working on bringing an end to HIV/AIDS: a documentary airs on World AIDS day


December 1 is the World AIDS day. The day has been observed throughout the world with due solemnity and dignity. People also have had the opportunity to celebrate a few important developments in the battle against this epidemic: deaths are down, a cure is in sight and better drugs are saving lives.

For Alicia Keys, singer-songwriter, record producer, and occasional actress, this day was a little bit special. The singer’s documentary, “Keep a Child Alive with Alicia Keys,” airs on World AIDS Day. The TV show follows the performer and five young adults as they visit “Keep a Child Alive” funded sites in South Africa. Keys told CNN, “I want people to feel like you can do something about this (epidemic).”

Keys started her charity, Keep a Child Alive, in 2003. It assists those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. She says she hopes the film reaches out to those who want to help, but can't make it to Africa.

"Even if you never have been able to travel there, or if you never can, that doesn't mean you can't travel with us and really see it for yourself," she said.

Alicia Keys and her fellow singer U2 frontman Bono are heading to Washington, DC today to talk to Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush about what’s next in the battle against AIDS.


Bono and Alicia Keys