Egyptian prominent actor Hussein Fahmi, who is also a UN Goodwill Ambassador, held a conference at the American University in Cairo to speak to students about the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Egypt and the Arab world. Hussein stressed that everyone must play a role in educating society about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, and described how the Arab world is not immune to the threats posed by the AIDS pandemic.
According to the Egyptian based daily, Al Ahram, though Egypt has relatively few known cases of HIV/AIDS, Hussein stressed that the time has come to speak out against conservatism which prevents Egyptian society from talking openly about the disease, and explained that people living with AIDS have to first live with the physical and psychological affects of the disease; as their immune systems slowly succumb to the virus, and with the knowledge that they are going to die.
Hussein’s message was clear, stressing that the only way of defeating the disease is through open and honest discussion about the issues – to speak openly about sex, about drug abuse and other behavior which can expose people to the disease. In particular Egyptian youth needs to be aware of the dangers.
The conference is part of the UNDP’s regional HIV/AIDS awareness campaign in the Arab world. The UN estimates that there are 500,000 Arabs living with HIV/AIDS, and UNDP with other UN agencies recognize that the region may be on the verge of a massive AIDS problem unless action is taken now.
Fahmi is currently busy with shooting the scenes for his upcoming TV drama series “Awlad Al Akabir” (Children of the Elite), which is scheduled to be aired during the holy month of Ramadan (Muslim fasting month). The series is a social drama that deals with a number of family issues like childbearing, raising children and husband and wife relationships.
Hussein plays the leading role of a very wealthy family man who lives in the suburbs with his children and grandchildren, and who falls in a dilemma with his family over who will get what in the inheritance and the like. Throughout the 20 episode drama, Hussein falls for the maid and insists on marrying her despite the refusal of his family. After marrying the maid Hussein learns that she is having an affair with another man and so becomes paralyzed from the shock and only finds his children to take care of him.
The drama shows different aspects of family life and how each family member plays an important role either that of the older sister or brother and how each one demands that their orders be met by those who are younger.
The drama is written by Samah Al Hariri and directed by prominent Egyptian director Hussein Amara. A number of new faces will appear in the drama alongside Egyptian actors Mohammad Riad, Ahmad Abdul Ghani, Manal Salameh, Nashwa Mustafa, Faiza Kamal, Dalia Mustafa, Said Ardash, and Zizi Al Badrawi. –Albawaba.com
