Bam! Kapow! Figo scores a goal against tuberculosis in a new comic book
24 July 2008, Lisbon - International football star Luis Figo is now the captain of a different kind of team -- the Stop Tuberculosis Team -- whose players come alive on the pages of a newly released comic book. In Luěs Figo and the World Tuberculosis Cup, Figo's fellow players are teen-aged girls and boys. Together they win a match against a team of tuberculosis germs.
The comic book, which seeks to teach children and teens about tuberculosis and how to prevent it, was launched today by Dr Jorge Sampaio, the UN Secretary-General Secretary's Special Envoy to Stop TB and the former President of Portugal. "We hope this comic book, with its thrilling narrative and images, will convince young people all over the world that in the game of life, we are facing a tough match against TB. But it is a match they can win, along with their families and friends," Dr Sampaio said. The event took place at the Centro Cultural de Belém on the occasion of a summit of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries.
In a statement released on the occasion of the launch Figo urged young people everywhere to take the comic book's messages seriously. "Tuberculosis is a killer, and I want all of you to stay safe from it. I am passing the ball to you -- you can help reach the goal of stopping tuberculosis," he said.
Designed by artist Rod Espinosa with a script provided by the Stop TB Partnership, the comic book is the product of a global competition launched in January 2008. An international jury of cartoon experts, together with representatives from UN organizations, selected Mr Espinosa's design proposal among 22 entries.
LONDON, 17 MARCH - On the occasion of World TB Day 2008, Stop TB Ambassador Luis Figo Luis Figo will release a global campaign to raise awareness of tuberculosis among general public, opinion leaders and influencers, business leaders and high-networked individuals, policymakers, scientific community.
Fabrica, Benetton's research center on communication (www.fabrica.it) has developed the campaign on pro-bono basis. The campaign consists of 5 posters delivering key messages on: general awareness, treatment, prevention, partnership, and support.
Images of the campaign are currently visible at the following link: the campaign
The campaign is offered in 9 languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkmen). The campaign will distributed worldwide through the network of Stop TB Partneship's partners.
In addition, Kempinski Hotels (www.kempinski.com), will make the campaign available worldwide through its hotels.
24 July 2008, Lisbon - International football star Luis Figo is now the captain of a different kind of team -- the Stop Tuberculosis Team -- whose players come alive on the pages of a newly released comic book. In Luěs Figo and the World Tuberculosis Cup, Figo's fellow players are teen-aged girls and boys. Together they win a match against a team of tuberculosis germs.
In a statement released on the occasion of the launch Figo urged young people everywhere to take the comic book's messages seriously. "Tuberculosis is a killer, and I want all of you to stay safe from it. I am passing the ball to you -- you can help reach the goal of stopping tuberculosis," he said.
