YouthNet partnered with MTV on the 2002 Staying Alive campaign, providing technical assistance, especially in helping shape messages appropriate for developing countries and in promoting the campaign aggressively beyond the MTV stations. YouthNet also helped fund the global campaign.

Staying Alive informs young people about HIV, promotes safe lifestyle choices, provides information about local organizations, and mobilizes youth to overcome the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS and to fight for an end to the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The 2002 campaign included a televised panel discussion at the International AIDS Conference, major concerts, PSAs, a new Staying Alive documentary (premiering on World AIDS Day) and the launch of a new Web site - http://www.staying-alive.org/. YouthNet is assessing the scope and effectiveness of mass media in reaching urban youth through the evaluation of this global media campaign - visit research to learn more about this evaluation.

Staying Alive began in 1998 as an Emmy award-winning documentary profiling the lives of six young people from around the world infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Growing from the tradition of annual documentaries, Staying Alive is expanding to include a multi-tiered campaign to promote awareness about and prevention of HIV/AIDS in the international youth community.

To launch the 2003 Staying Alive Campaign, MTV produced a new 60-minute special celebrating the life of humanitarian and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela that premiered globally in July 2003. Learn more about the 2003 Staying Alive Campaign.