Digicel has launched a new free-of-charge service to connect customers across 16 of its Caribbean markets to local HIV resources via text messaging. It also donated over $2 million to two local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) yesterday.

The new Digicel HIV information service goes live from today, which is World AIDS Day. According to a press release, the service has been developed in association with the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS (CBMP) and enables Digicel customers across the Caribbean to quickly and easily receive information on their mobile phones about local HIV clinics, testing centres and other resources, using SMS technology.

In Guyana, Digicel customers who text the word LIVEUP to 669-INFO (4636) will receive a response from Digicel with details of local HIV resources in Guyana. The service is free and is part of CBMP's ongoing regional LIVE UP campaign that includes more than 53 Caribbean media houses from 23 countries. It is designed to stem the spread of HIV in the region.

Digicel said the new HIV text message service will be promoted through new public service ads (PSAs), on-air promotions by CBMP members and on a new regional television magazine programme, 'LIVE UP: The Show', produced by the CBMP in collaboration with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

Meanwhile, two NGOs that offer services to persons living with HIV, Lifeline Counselling Services based in Georgetown, and Hope Foundation, based in Bartica received $1 million each yesterday from Digicel.

The press release quoted Digicel CFO Gregory Dean as saying, "We see it as our responsibility at Digicel to share the benefits of communications technology particularly among young people.

"AIDS not only affects individuals, but their families as well and we hope that this new service, along with our donations to Lifeline Counselling and Hope Foundation, will help educate people about the disease, while also offering support services"

Handing over the cheques yesterday, Digicel CEO Mark Linehan also said Digicel was pleased about the initiative. He noted the importance of communication to the HIV fight, adding that a phone call can safe a life. Executive Director of Lifeline Counselling Services Carlotta Williams expressed gratitude to Digicel for the donation. She noted that in keeping with this year's World AIDS Day theme, 'Keep the Promise - Leadership', Digicel has demonstrated leadership. She said Lifeline would use the donation to enhance its Orphans and Vulnerable Children project and its daycare and hot meals services. Digicel also handed over $100,000 in food hampers for Lifeline's clients.