NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

World’s Largest Behaviour Modification 
Programme Launched at UN

THE THREE AMIGOS IS AN HIV/AIDS PREVENTION PROGRAMME CONSISTING OF 
20 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCEMENTS ADAPTED INTO 41 LANGUAGES

11 January 2005. UNITED NATIONS—The Three Amigos, a series of 20 short, world-class animated Public 
Service Announcements designed to entrench the use of condoms to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS 
throughout the world, is now available in 41 languages.  Featuring three animated condom characters called 
Shaft, Stretch and Dick, these Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) use comedy to deliver a serious 
message.

The launch today at the United Nations by Firdaus Kharas, Producer and Director of the series, signifies the 
start of the world’s largest integrated behaviour modification programme.  Consisting of 820 PSA’s, this 
public awareness programme has a potential reach of approximately 80% of the world’s population.  A 
complete list of the languages currently available is attached.

The Three Amigos is a groundbreaking HIV/AIDS prevention strategy, strongly supported by Nobel Laureate 
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who has called the PSA’s “a powerful communicating tool”, has written an open 
letter to broadcasters around the world which he calls “an impassioned plea” to “use these PSA’s.  They 
cannot be played enough”.  The series was created by volunteers. 

This HIV/AIDS prevention campaign has received widespread acclaim.  The Three Amigos has already 
received 25 international awards and competitive festival selections, including 4 international awards in the 
last week alone.

The Three Amigos is currently playing continuously in South Africa, the Netherlands and Canada.  As of 
today, an international roll-out will offer the PSA’s free to broadcasters, NGO’s and community groups in any 
country.

Further information is available at www.thethreeamigos.org

For additional information and interviews please contact: 

Firdaus Kharas. Producer & Director. Cell: (1)(613) 263-3321 Tel: (1)(613) 820-6121 Fax: (1)(613) 820-
4679 e-mail: info@thethreeamigos.org