"He has to feel passionately about the cause as Mechai does ... have a dynamic
personality to change both government policy and public perceptions about
HIV/AIDS, sex and condoms," Rao said.
Viravaidya became famous in Thailand as the "Condom King" for actions such as
taking condoms to World Bank talks as well as for the name of his Bangkok
restaurant "Cabbages and Condoms," where condoms are a major part of the decor.
Authorities in India, where many people are hesitant to talk about sex and
condoms openly, are trying to push condom use through television, radio and
newspapers and by targeting high-risk groups.
India has millions of people who are HIV-positive and many of them face
discrimination and prejudice.
In Thailand, Viravaidya's organisation -- the Population and Community
Development Association of Thailand -- won the $1-million Gates Award for
Global Health this year that is awarded by the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation.
Reuters
