Lilongwe — Since the end of the Big Brother House (BBH) competition on 7th September 2003, the housemates have been busy promoting themselves, commodities and also fund raising for different needs.

Recently the housemates were involved in the serious business of promoting HIV/AIDS awareness within the region. Several housemates visited Uganda in order to play their part in making the youth more aware of the effects of the epidemic in Africa, and to participate in workshops.

The workshops provided them with information which they will put to use in their campaign to increase HIV/AIDS awareness amongst the youth.

Malawi's BBH representative, Zein Dudha was one of the housemates who visited Uganda. Responding to question put to him, Zein was able to shed more light on the reason for the visit and what the BBH housemates learnt in order for them to play their part in the fight to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

We understand that you have been to Uganda on some AIDS tour. Can you tell us what it is that you did, who you visited and what you plan to do with the insight you had to help with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Have you been to any other African country on a similar tour?

The Uganda trip was the first trip that any of the housemates went to solely for the purpose of increasing AIDS awareness amongst the youth. We had workshops with peer co-ordinators of HIV NGOs from throughout Uganda, as well as from select countries in Africa (including Malawi), where we learnt about the specific challenges that they face due to their unique geographic and demographics differences. We also spent time with them creating messages for radio and TV in order to try and stop the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.

Apart from the workshop we did interviews on TV and with newspapers, participated in a music concert, and were very fortunate to be invited to the World Aids Day official function where we met with President Yoweri Museveni who endorsed the positive work that we were doing for the youth of Uganda.

What was the most interesting point of you visit?

Learning from the peer co-ordinators was not only interesting but very informative as AIDS issues vary greatly in the different regions of Uganda.

In the regions where there is conflict the main concern is with young girls getting abducted and raped by the rebels. The arid areas where the population are mostly nomadic cattle herders, there is a problem of them catching and spreading the disease in the different towns or settlements that they visit. In the other rural areas. There is the more common problem of circumcision using equipment that is not sterile and in the towns, the main problems were prostitution and promiscuity.

What do you think about the way the country of Uganda is fighting HIV/AIDS?

Uganda started fighting HIV very early, and adopted a very open and honest approach in the way they disseminate information to the population.

As a result they managed to reduce the HIV prevalence rate from around 30% to 6.5% which is quite a significant achievement.

Do you feel that there is something that Malawi can learn from Uganda's experience with HIV/AIDS?

Uganda's achievement can be attributed mainly to the high level of political commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS, openness about the epidemic, involvement of all sections of society and the government policy of decentralization. Malawi can learn a lot in all these areas.

Which other members of BBH have been involved in making sure that HIV/AIDS is given high visibility in Africa and in what way?

All the housemates are very serious about working with the youth on this issue, and we will be working closely with the relevant organizations in our countries to try and get similar workshops and awareness events done there.

How were members of the youth and adolescents involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda?

The youth in Uganda understand that for their fellow peers to learn and listen to messages about HIV/AIDS. It has to come from people of the same age group. By getting actively involved in the many NGOs they are getting involved and this is why Uganda is seen as the success story of Africa.

How do you plan to continue making sure that HIV/AIDS is given and maintains a high profile in Malawi?

I am speaking with UNICEF in Malawi about different ways in which we can work together. Hopefully early next year we will do a couple of projects together which I am very excited about.

Peer pressure is one of the biggest reasons youth get involved in risky behaviour. Can you tell us of ways in which you as a BBH participant has been able to deal with peer pressure?

Education, knowledge, self respect and an ambition to see a better future are all ways in which we arm ourselves to lead better and safer lives. If we are able to see the bigger picture of our lives it is easier to deal with peer pressure.

Do you think the responsibility that the nation is placing on the youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS can be achieved by them?

Definitely!!! As Stephen Lewis the UN Special Envoy on AIDS in Africa said, "If AIDS is to be defeated in Africa, the youth will defeat it." We must never underestimate the power of the youth. They are our future, and through them Africa will eventually come out of the epidemic.

What message do you have for the nation of Malawi during the festive season and what in particular do you have to say to the youth.

I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves during the holiday season. Being young and having fun are the best times of ones life! However if you are planning on doing anything sexual in the future please Stop, Think and Be Safe!

What has been the highlight of your life since the end of BBH AFRICA ZD; Meeting all the many supporters of the show in the different countries has made me realize that BBA was more than just a regular TV reality show.

It actually has brought Africa closer together, and I am honoured to have been a part of this.