Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies - 17 June 2004
The 'Sport & HIV/AIDS prevention workshop', from 17-18 June, which will also be attended by the World Bank and other interested organisations from 13 sub-Saharan African countries, will discuss how to use sport to break down the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and educate the public, especially the young, about the disease.
"Many African Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have incorporated sports activities in their HIV/AIDS work on an informal basis, aware that sport breaks down barriers, promotes self-esteem and teaches life skills and healthy behaviour," explains Razia Essack-Kauaria, secretary general of the Namibia Red Cross and board member of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.
"Given the extremely high prevalence rates in sub-Saharan Africa, it is crucial for young people to have access to accurate information so they can lead healthy and productive lives. Local athletes are admired celebrities and inspirational role models, who have a key role to play in promoting a healthy, positive image and promoting the HIV prevention message."
The International Federation hopes that among the outcomes of the meeting are a recognition of the need to closely associate the sporting community with HIV/AIDS prevention; the identification of possible joint HIV/AIDS prevention activities involving National Olympic Committees (NOCs), National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, UNAIDS offices and relevant NGOs at country level; and the recruitment of high profile sportspersons as role models for preventive peer education.
This joint exercise is the fruit of a cooperation agreement signed between the International Federation and the IOC in Madrid on 16 May 2003, with the aim of linking sport to the needs of vulnerable people worldwide by encouraging active associations between NOCs and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
At the signing, the president of the International Federation, Juan Manuel Suarez del Toro noted that the two movements are based on the same basic ideals: humanitarianism, volunteerism and a commitment to world peace.
For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:
In Harare:
Tapiwa Gomo, Information Officer Tel. + 263 4 705 166 / + 263 91 345 936
In Geneva:
Roy Probert, Information Officer Tel. + 41 22 730 42 96 / + 41 79 217 33 86
Media Service, duty phone Tel. + 41 79 416 38 81
040617
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