24 June 2010 (Health and fitness)
This year South Africa became the first African country to host the FIFA World Cup. During the month long event 64 matches of football will be played in nine cities across the country. In the same time period, around 23,000 South Africans will die from AIDS.
South Africa has the highest HIV prevalence in the world with an estimated 5.7 million people living with HIV. But AIDS organisations claim FIFA’s tight restrictions on venues – where only official sponsors are allowed – will stop football fans from getting condoms.
In a statement a coalition of HIV/AIDS groups said that FIFA has “not permitted civil society organisations to distribute HIV related information…or provided confirmation that condoms may be distributed at stadia and within the fan-fests. This is despite the fact that commercial sponsors selling alcohol will have dedicated spaces available.”
Around 373,000 foreign tourists will visit South Africa for the World Cup – and 40,000 sex workers from all over the world and especially Eastern Europe hoping to cash in on the party atmosphere. The AIDS organisations believe FIFA has a “moral obligation” to protect tourists and locals from HIV infection.
The South African Government has shown leadership in the fight against HIV and in 2011 plans to test 15 million people for the virus. This campaign has been endorsed by the United Nations AIDS Programme (UNAIDS). The HIV/AIDS groups say the World Cup is an opportunity to take this campaign forward and to combine sport with messages about HIV prevention and healthy living that could be heard by millions.
Videos promoting safe sex from the Brothers for Life website. www.brothersforlife.org
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