The New Nation - Internet Edition

PTI, New Delhi

Renowned actress and social activist Shabana Azmi has been appointed as the SAARC goodwill ambassador for HIV/AIDS programmes for SAARC region.

South Asia Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member nations, which met in Kathmandu in the April this year, selected Azmi and Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya as SAARC Goodwill ambassadors for HIV/AIDS.

Azmi's name was recommended by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). The conferment of the title and the launch of the programme for goodwill ambassadors is likely to take place during the 15th SAARC summit to be held in Colombo on August 2-3.

The SAARC member countries include India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.