UNICEF on Tuesday launched the Nigerian arm of the Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign, which aims to garner funding and support for children affected by HIV/AIDS, Reuters reports (Reuters, 11/8). The campaign -- which is a partnership between UNICEF, UNAIDS and other organizations and agencies -- aims to reduce the incidence of mother-to-child HIV transmission, curb the spread of the virus among young people, and provide protection as well as emotional and financial support to children who have lost parents to AIDS (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 10/26). As part of the Nigerian launch, the campaign on Wednesday sent text messages to nine million young people in the country in an attempt to raise awareness about the disease. In addition, a television advertising campaign headlined by soccer star Nwankwo Kanu will feature advice on safe sexual practices (BBC News, 11/9). "There are already 1.8 million children orphaned by AIDS in Nigeria," UNICEF Nigeria representative Ayalew Abai said, adding, "With the current population growth rate, the potential devastation to this country without effective action will be enormous" (Reuters, 11/8). According to UNICEF, less than 1% of HIV-positive pregnant women in Nigeria receive the antiretroviral drugs needed to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (AFP/Yahoo! News, 11/8).