POVERTY ERADICATION AWARDS 2003 web page   30th October, 2003   The “Poverty Eradication Awards 2003” hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was celebrated at United Nations headquarters in New York. The evening’s activities focused on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the international community’s targets for achieving concrete development advances by 2015. Five individuals who have made tremendous strides in helping fight poverty were recognised.   * Helen Ditsebe-Mhone, founder and Executive Director of the Coping Centre for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Botswana, which battles the disease’s stigma and provides support for those living with HIV/AIDS.   * Lydia Shouleva, Bulgarian Minister of Economy who established programs that have given work to more than 80,000 unemployed people and provided them with education, training, insurance and labor rights.   * Jimmy Bhojedat, founder of Lifeline Counseling Services in Guyana to provide counseling and support to nearly 40,000 people with HIV/AIDS.   * Achmad Ramadhan, Islamic preacher in Indonesia who has used his position to bring HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention activities to more than 100,000 people.   * Asma Khader, distinguished lawyer, author, spokesperson, human rights advocate, and newly named member of the Jordanian cabinet. She forged a network that links national ministries and commissions, civil society groups and activists to coordinate efforts to reduce poverty and advance social development.   by United Nations Development Programme