DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — On the eve of World AIDS Day, which is held annually on December 1, some of the world’s best-known cricketers have called for the international cricket community to continue to support calls for greater awareness to help continue the fight against HIV.

Nathan Bracken, Isa Guha, Kumar Sangakkara, Graeme Smith and Virender Sehwag champion the THINK WISE campaign which helps to raise awareness about HIV amongst the cricket community to make a positive impact on the lives of young people across the world and help to prevent new HIV infections.

Sri Lanka captain and THINK WISE champion Kumar Sangakkara said: “What cricket does well is bring people together in common spirit. We are doing our bit on World AIDS Day to help raise awareness, reduce discrimination and ultimately help to prevent HIV infections.

“It is fantastic to see cricket being used as a force for social good and I hope the THINK WISE initiative will continue to gather momentum throughout the cricket community.”

South African captain and THINK WISE champion Graeme Smith said: “I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effect that HIV as had in my country. It is now a global issue and one which everyone has responsibility to address.

“I hope that current and former cricketers around the world at every level of the game act as leaders within their communities to think about important life skills and necessary steps toward HIV prevention.”

Around 10 million people living with HIV are from Test-playing countries. This accounts for more than a quarter of all the people across the world who are HIV-positive.

At major international matches (listed below) around World AIDS Day players will be wearing red ribbons as a show of support for people living with HIV and the THINK WISE public service announcements will be played on big screens by host venues and broadcasters.

Australian bowler and THINK WISE champion Nathan Bracken said: “It is fantastic to see my team mates and other international teams around the world wearing the red ribbon in show of support for people living with HIV.

“Everyone has a right to be treated fairly and that includes people living with HIV. By raising awareness and addressing the stigma sometimes associated with HIV we all hope that young people protect themselves against the virus.”

THINK WISE champion Isa Guha, the England women’s team fast bowler, said: “HIV is not just someone else’s problem; we all have a role to play in helping to raise awareness and encourage prevention.

“I hope that the THINK WISE campaign can help youngsters to make informed decisions as they grow up. I also hope that as the profile of the women’s game rises we can act as role models and have a positive impact on the lives on young women.”

Finally, India batsman and THINK WISE champion Virender Sehwag said: “Cricketers use protection when playing the game and it’s the same in life as well. Everyone should take the necessary steps to protect themselves from HIV. Through my work with THINK WISE I hope we can take this message further to help reduce HIV infection levels across the world.”

Dates and matches where ribbons will be worn by all international players:

November 29 – South Africa v England, Fourth ODI, Port Elizabeth

December 2 – India v Sri Lanka, Second Test, Mumbai

December 3 – Pakistan v New Zealand, Second Test, Wellington

December 4 – Australia v West Indies, Second Test, Adelaide.