"Testing Saves Lives" is a project organized by SESH Global to enhance the capacity for community based organizations (CBO) to promote HIV testing in China. CBOs in China have made great progress towards expanding HIV testing. Yet 40% of HIV-infected individuals do not know their serological status and many HIV-infected individuals have delayed diagnosis, especially among most-at-risk populations.

CBOs have the local knowledge to expand HIV testing in China and many are expanding to neighboring cities and provinces. We would like to officially announce a contest using social marketing to promote CBO-based HIV testing. Social marketing is the use of marketing principles to promote a social cause, in this case HIV testing.

CBOs that participate must have a history of delivering HIV testing. All entries must be in the form of a 1-minute video with Chinese and English subtitles. Judging criteria include the following: 1) capacity to reach untested individuals at increased risk for HIV; 2) responsiveness to the local community; 3) capacity to generate excitement about HIV testing. Videos (as *avi files) and a cover letter stating eligibility must be submitted by November 1st. Five finalists will be chosen by November 10th and have a travel, hotel, and registration to attend the Third Macau China International Digital Film Festival (November 26th-28th, 2013) where their videos will be screened.

A distinguished panel of judges will choose the winner or winners who will receive post-production assistance from international experts.

An informational call will be hosted October 9th at 5-6pm and October 16th at 5-6pm China time through SKYPE (Skype handle: sesh.global). Questions can be emailed to sesh@seshglobal.org.