Maire-Bopp Allport Dupont is a journalist in French Polynesia who believes that journalists could help to create a greater awareness about HIV/AIDS through their work. In 1998, wanting to use her own experiences to help educate the public, Maire disclosed her status as an HIV-positive woman during a Pacific Islands News Association meeting. Soon after, she won PINA's Pacific Freedom of Information Award for her journalism and became the host of her own radio talk show.
In 2003, Maire founded the Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation (PIAF) and continues to serve as the chief executive officer. PIAF is the only non-governmental organization in the Pacific Islands that focuses exclusively on HIV/AIDS.
Maire was one of four individuals worldwide to receive the United Nations Development Program's Fourth Annual Race Against Poverty Award. The theme of the event was "Breaking the Silence on HIV/AIDS" and Maire won because of her commitment to spreading information on HIV/AIDS. Maire was also nominated as one of one thousand women worldwide to receive the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize. Maire is also a member of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).
Information on HIV/AIDS in French Polynesia
According to HIV/AIDS Statistics for Pacific Islands Countries and Territories, there were 77 AIDS related deaths in French Polynesia as of December 2001. As of November 2003, there have been 229 reported cases of HIV. That is roughly a 0.09% prevelence rate.
Source: Stats and News
Related Links
The official website of the Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation
The official website for Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
The official website announcing the one thousand women worldwide that were nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize.
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