Damson Idris, Dayo Okeniyi and Lexi Underwood join forces with Bono’s (RED) to fight pandemics alongside longtime ambassadors Javier Muñoz and Phoebe Robinson

NEW YORK—To mark World Health Day, (RED), the organization co-founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver, is joining forces with Damson Idris, Dayo Okeniyi and Lexi Underwood to help raise awareness about the importance of fighting pandemics and strengthening global health systems. Damson, Dayo and Lexi join longtime supporters, Javier Muñoz and Phoebe Robinson, as ‘(RED)UCATORS’.

(RED)’s newly announced (RED)UCATORS are stepping-up to act as ambassadors for the fight against AIDS and COVID-19, using their global platform to help sound the alarm on the injustice of global health emergencies and champion proven programs that save lives. Each (RED)UCATOR is an inspiring change-maker within their respective communities, who is committed to sharing and supporting (RED)’s mission with their audiences and engaging in (RED) programming, campaigns and education through 2022. 

For more information, or to speak with a (RED)UCATOR, please contact press@red.org.  

“We won’t end the threat of pandemics until we end the inequities that allow them to thrive,” said Jennifer Lotito, President and COO of (RED). “I’m thrilled to have this extraordinary group of people in our corner as we simultaneously fight AIDS and COVID. The passion and the neon that Damson, Dayo, Javier, Phoebe and Lexi bring is invaluable to keeping real heat on these issues and highlighting the devastating impact that pandemics have on so many vulnerable communities.”

“Providing HIV treatment to a sick child, or vaccinating a first-responder in Abuja isn’t charity, it’s called hope,” said Damson Idris. “We all have a responsibility to help make the world a better place. We all must be part of the solution.”

“In the United States, COVID vaccines are abundant; over 75 percent of Americans have received at least one COVID vaccine. But in my home country of Nigeria, access is scarce and less than 10% of Nigerians have received a single shot,” said Dayo Okeniyi. “We won’t end the threat of COVID anywhere unless we end it everywhere. That’s why I’m so honored to use my platform to help shine a light on the health injustices that so many Africans face.”

“I am committed to using my voice and platform to advocate for issues and injustices impacting vulnerable populations across the globe,” said Lexi Underwood. “Through supporting (RED) and working with my fellow (RED)UCATORS, my goal is to spark peer dialogue, encourage action, and create sustainable solutions to help end pandemics and health emergencies for all people; regardless of race, color, socio-economic status, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation.”

“As someone living with HIV, a cancer survivor and a passionate activist, when I talk about the importance of equitable access to health care, I’m not just speaking words, I’m living them,” said Javier Muñoz, a longtime (RED) champion and ambassador. “Whether it’s fighting AIDS or COVID, I’m proud to continue my work with (RED) to keep pushing for equitable access to testing, treatment, and vaccines for everyone, everywhere.”

“We do not choose our circumstances in life, our privilege or lack of it. But we can choose to make the world a better, healthier place,” said Phoebe Robinson, a longtime (RED) champion and ambassador. “I’m proud to support (RED), and alongside my fellow (RED)UCATORS, help turn up the fight against pandemics. AIDS and COVID better watch out because we are coming to cancel you!”