Youth score against Aids

The Region E youths commemorated World Aids Day by scoring against the dreaded disease.

This was on the fields of Altrec Sports Complex, Eastbank where they participated in seven and 11 a side soccer matches.

Co-ordinated by Football for Hope and partnered by Standard Chartered Bank, YFM, Lifeline and the South Africa National Tuberculosis Association, the event also coincided with the 10 days of Activism Against the Abuse of Women and Children Campaign.

Participants also voluntarily participated in HIV testing and education, and were taught about the globally acclaimed ABC (Abstinence, Faithfulness and Condomising) method to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Sikhumbuzo Mnculwane of Football for Hope said the event also helped to keep HIV/Aids as a topical issue. “We also want to dispel the stigma and discrimination faced by HIV infected people so that they can be welcome in their homes and community. HIV is not a death sentence.”

He added that the youths also had an opportunity to test, know their status and be proud to be negative as they have more to live for than to engage in unprotected sex. “Being negative contributes to the global target of reaching zero infections.”

The bank’s Aya Qangule said the event coincided with the company’s 15 years of involvement through its HIV/Aids programme, Living HIV. “We focus on youths’ health and Aids prevention so that they can be the champions of their own peers,” she said. “Sports is a natural attraction to them [youths] when raising HIV/Aids awareness and developing a positive self caring attitude.”