Using the power of soccer to fight HIV/AIDS

The introduction and combination of HIV oral self-testing and football through a research study as one way of scaling up HIV testing in VAP’s programs has received a global recognition through Beyond Sports. The research conducted by VAP and its partners Medical University of South Carolina targeting adolescent youth who fear stigmatization and discrimination by visit conventional VCT testing sites was shortlisted for the 2018 ‘Best Partnership or collaboration Award’ that aligns with Global Goals number 17 under ‘Football and cutting edge-HIV Research’.VAP will be part of the shortlisters attending the award ceremony in New York where winners of each categories will be announced.

Kick 'N' Test VCT Football Tournament

With the rainy seasons behind us, the first Kick ‘N’ Test VCT community football tournament was held at the back of the month of July. The event which was played on a knock-out basis took place in Mukuru slums and attracted a total of 16 teams consisting of both girls and boys. According to the traditions and customs of Kick N Test, the participating teams were given an opportunity to get tested on HIV, and mobilizing their fans and community members to get tested too, hence gaining extra OFF the field point towards their respective teams.

HIV Testing Services

As the participating teams were keeping themselves busy with football skills and drills in search of ON the field points, VAP’s health service providers; EDARP and FHOK were busy with hiv testing syringes and other paraphernalia, testing while recording OFF the field points from teams, fans and the general community. Community members and fans would donate their testing points to their respective teams. The participating teams were not only getting points for winning or drawing in the matches.but also for participating in the Skillz Kenya HIV awareness activities which were part of the off field activities.

Male Category

The male category attracted a full cream of young and upcoming talents from different areas of Nairobi. The lads also participated in the ‘Make The Cut’ football based activities prior to the kick off as a promotion to voluntary medical male circumcision targeting adolescent boys. Referrals for the interested participants of voluntary medical male circumcision services were made to both VAP’s standby partners; EDARP and FHOK.”It was interesting to participate in the ‘Make The Cut’ games and learn about VMMC services and the information regarding HIV.” Said 17 years old  Njuguna from Kayole Stars.

Runners Up 'Most Tested Team'

Despite emerging as the winners of the female category during the ON field matches, Mukuru starlets continued with their ON field prowess and were awarded with a trophy as the runners up, ‘Most Tested ‘ team. They managed to mobilize their teammates, fans and community members to get tested on HIV thus gaining more points on their favor. Some of the team members participated in the ‘Make The Cut’ activities with an aim creating awareness and encouraging adolescent boys to go for voluntary medical male circumcision.

Kick 'N' Test VCT Football Champions

Rangers football club from Makongeni emerged the overall champions of the Kick N Test VCT community football tournament and were crowned ‘The Most Tested’ team. The team defeated Young Rovers FC by a solitary goal in the finals and was also steadfast in mobilizing their fellow teammates, fans and community members to get to know their HIV status by visiting EDARP and FHOK tents alongside the pitch. They also benefited from ‘Make The Cut’ activities that was conducted on the sides and some of their team members were referred for VMMC services at EDARP clinic.

" I started participating in HIV program at the age of 12 while i was in primary school where VAP mentors were coming to teach us about HIV.At first i thought it was all about playing soccer and having fun,but i came to realize that the teachings were done through soccer games,which it was so exciting because of the fun activities that we had.This really created a fun based learning environment that created my attention to learn more about HIV/AIDS which was my first encounter with HIV awareness information.Now that i have grown up and graduated from high school,am proud to be part of the HIV mentors team from the same organization that used to come and teach us about HIV.Am happy to teach other youth in schools about HIV just the same way it was done to me."Said 17 year old Michael who is now a well trained HIV mentor.

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