Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - November 4, 2005
Oksana Shved, Ukraine Red Cross
This event took place in Kharkiv, a big industrial centre in the east of Ukraine, thanks to a capacity-building grant to help the Ukraine Red Cross raise funds. The anti-stigma messages it helped to promote are essential in Ukraine, where HIV/AIDS presents a monumental public health, economic and social challenge. Nearly all regions are feeling the flames of the rapidly-growing epidemic. According to official statistics, 36 new HIV-cases and eight deaths caused by AIDS are registered in Ukraine daily.
Estimates put the number of HIV-positive people in Ukraine at up to 1.4 per cent of the population, and President Yushchenko has warned that ten per cent of the population of 48 million could be lost to AIDS by 2010 if urgent measures are not taken.
By now one third of the 40 million people living with HIV in the world are young people under 25 years old. Therefore, it is vitally important for young people to have access to information about HIV so that they can lead healthy and fruitful lives. Many of them are involved in sports, either as spectators or as participants.
"No statistics, however depressing, can prepare you for the hopelessness and human loss that lie behind the numbers", says Konstantin Bashkirov, Head of the Kharkiv Red Cross Branch.
"But I see the fears and sufferings, as well as the hope, optimism and determination, especially among our volunteers who are engaged in peer-to-peer sessions here, in the Kharkiv region. I truly believe that we will succeed in our efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS with the help of the sports community." Konstantin is a keen arm-wrestler, as anyone who has ever shaken his hand can appreciate.
"The sports community is a key partner in reaching out to young men and women, whether in their village or town, or through powerful sports events," says Alexey Semerenko, tournament winner in the heavyweight category.
"Sport has always been a good way of promoting the ideals of humanitarianism, tolerance and non-discrimination and respect for each other - key messages that the Red Cross Movement itself stands for. We, the arm-wrestlers, are glad to be a starting point to speak about HIV/AIDS issues to the media and wide public."
Ukrainian Red Cross recognizes that sport can play a very important role in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Sports personalities are role models which have a capacity to break the walls of stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV simply by shaking their hands, involving them in sports events, raising awareness among the population.
"During the tournament I learned more both about arm-wrestling and HIV/AIDS issues," comments 17-year-old Sergey, the winner in the amateur category. "When I found out the number of people living with HIV in Ukraine, for the first time, I was shocked. Furthermore, I discovered that most people affected are people of my age. I am sure that the Tournament will become a good tradition so I will be telling my friends, please, come and join me at the Red Cross Cup, and learn more about HIV/AIDS".
The tournament raised 1,000 Ukrainian grivnas (about USD200) after expenses, which was presented to an orphanage that takes care of HIV-positive children. Not huge money, but a start. Encouragingly, discussions are under way to bring the world arm-wrestling championships to Ukraine, and make the Red Cross its prime beneficiary.
Today the Ukrainian Red Cross is involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS through prevention, advocacy, harm-reduction and home-based care programmes in most regions, supported by the International Federation, targeting the most vulnerable categories including imprisoned youth, drug users and people living with HIV/AIDS. Its fruitful day-to-day work is the best way of promoting the will to do more.
051104
IF051102
Copyright © 2005 - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IFRC Contact.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .