Pop Superstar RAIN Speaks Out on HIV/AIDS as World Vision’s
HIV/AIDS Ambassador

Asian superstar and the world’s second most influential performer (cited by Time Magazine), RAIN (Jong Ji-Hoon) was recently appointed World Vision HIV/AIDS Ambassador. 

RAIN’s ambassadorial role will see the pop sensation engaging in efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in some Asian countries including Singapore and highlighting the plight of orphans and vulnerable children affected by AIDS for his RAIN 06/07 World Tour.

RAIN will be traveling to 17 cities through 11 countries including the United States, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

On his appointment as World Vision’s HIV/AIDS Ambassador, RAIN accepted the appointment upon understanding the reality behind the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Rain said: “I agreed to take up this challenge as I heard about the HIV/AIDS reality that 8,000 children are orphaned by AIDS everyday and over 14 million children have lost parents to AIDS every year. Devastation caused by HIV epidemic in Africa during 1990’s could be revived here in Asia soon unless we intervene swiftly.”

As part of his World Tour line-up, RAIN will be dedicating a song entitled ‘Friends’ specially composed for this purpose. The song will be performed in countries where his World Tour will be traveling to. Part of RAIN’s World Tour proceeds will also be donated towards World Vision’s work in aid of Asia’s young HIV/AIDS victims. RAIN will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on January 21, 21006 at 8pm for the Singapore leg of his 06/07 World Tour.

Since 2005, more than 3 million people have succumbed to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As much as almost 40 million people are coping to live with the tragedy.

Born in impoverished conditions with barely enough to eat, children living in high HIV/AIDS-prevalent communities where one generation could be wiped out under the HIV/AIDS epidemic, face incredible challenges.

Many are raised by their extended families that can include 10 or more adopted siblings. Those without living relatives do their best to survive on their own.

Ethiopia and Lesotho, two of World Vision International - Singapore supported countries, are two of the hardest-hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa; with Ethiopia ranking as having the third largest HIV-positive population in the world. Through World Vision HIV/AIDS programmes, HIV/AIDS-prevalent communities and families will be provided practical help through compassionate care, prevention, education and advocacy efforts.

Sim Cher Young, Executive Director, World Vision International – Singapore, said: “It’s time to act now to save the children as we tackle HIV/AIDS epidemic. We believe that RAIN will be a strong advocate in reining in public support in the fight against this deadly disease that is devastating lives by the thousands daily. His willingness to step out and speak out will enable many more people to join hands to help HIV/AIDS affected children”.

Visit www.worldvision.org.sg or call 6221-1040 today to learn more about Rain’s collaboration with World Vision to save the orphans and vulnerable children of HIV/AIDS.

Media Contact person

Ms Mindy Chee

Communications Manager
World Vision International - Singapore
Tel: 6221-1040
mindy@worldvision.org.sg