DFID signs England stars to spread AIDS awareness
1 June 2005
Image courtesy of the FA
Three England football stars are helping to promote DFID's HIV and AIDS awareness campaign in Malawi.
After arriving in Malawi on 24 May, 2005, Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Manchester City's goalkeeper David James met more than 3,000 local children who are at risk of developing the disease.
The players took part in a number of coaching sessions and games relating to HIV-AIDS messages, as well as visiting clinics and hospitals.
"I am glad to be here and encourage Malawian youths in the fight against HIV-AIDS. Abstain, if you can’t use a condom," Gary Neville told cheering pupils from surrounding schools in the capital’s main stadium.
Executive director of the FA David Davies said:
"This has been a joint project with a large number of individuals and organisations to which we will be eternally grateful.
"There are very few opportunities in the hectic schedule of English football when players can do something like this, but we have found a window to do it with their active support and enthusiasm."
In Malawi, the virus is estimated to kill around ten people every hour in the country.
How
SuperSoccer (South Africa) reported it - The
Football Association's feature "Under African Skies"
- Coaching for Hope
Key facts
- Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with one of the highest HIV rates (14.4% of 15-49 year olds)
- English football is hugely popular in Malawi, as else in Africa. England players have instant recognition. As a result, players association with HIV messages with have great impact - church leaders and the President of Malawi have spoken out on HIV and AIDS, but many young people will identify strongly with these footballers
- HIV and AIDS is an area where the players' fame can be used to promote prevention messages and tackle stigma, both of which remain difficult issues in Africa.
- The priority in Malawi is to keep young people free of HIV. Prevalence rate has declined amongst young people in capital (Lilongwe) by a third, but not still too high and not declining in the biggest city (Blantyre).
