Charity wristbands 'not officially launched in UAE'

Residents should be wary of buying white charity wristbands for Make Poverty History (MPH) since they have not yet been officially introduced in the UAE.

Anish Kattukaran, regional coordinator of MPH, said the bracelets are ordered online and sometimes resold at higher cost. "In America the bracelets cost $1 and in Britain it costs £1. We are planning to introduce the bracelets in the UAE in the next three to four weeks," said Kattukaran.

Another global initiative to raise awareness was held yesterday for Wear White Day. A conference is also being held today to structure and set up the MPH campaign in the UAE.

Following the broadcast of Live 8 interest was high throughout the country, said Kattukaran. The conference will create a national steering committee that will run the campaign in the UAE, made up of representatives from NGOs present at the conference.

"The conference is for all Non-Governmental Organisations [NGOs] and other organisations interested in working towards reducing poverty. There will be two sessions to discuss poverty within the country, women's issues, children's issues and UAE youth action. It will also include presentations on extreme poverty, Aids, microfinance and relief abroad and what the UAE is doing to help," said Kattikaran.