An Indian software solution provider, ZMQ Software Systems, had recently taken the initiative to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS across India using mobile technology. Their unique effort has been well-appreciated and the organization was honored today for their efforts.
Under the banner "Freedom HIV/AIDS ", on December 1 2005, ZMQ released four mobile phone games to help combat the spread of the virus and fight stigma and discrimination. In the span of 15 months, the four games reached 42 million people in India, with a download of 10.3 million game sessions.
The company received one of the World Business and Development Awards (WBDA) in New York today.
"The new socio-business model of ZMQ is a blend of its core competency with social development, which is a step beyond corporate social responsibility," said Subhi Quraishi, Chief Executive of ZMQ. "In the fight against poverty and disease, businesses should move from being responsible corporate citizens to being agents of transformation."
Held under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade, the Award Ceremony is part of the special focus on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) during the opening week of the United Nations' General Assembly in New York.
The World Business and Development Awards (WBDA) showcase creative initiatives by corporations, large and small, who apply their core business expertise to world-wide efforts to achieve the MDGs. In total this year's winners improved the lives of millions of poor people across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Awards were co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme, the International Chamber of Commerce and the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF).
