Using the power of soccer to fight HIV/AIDS

On 16^h July 2010, Vijana Amani Pamoja-VAP hosted the 3^nd annual Kick N Test VCT and TB screening soccer tournament at Kiambio slums. It was an exciting day of football, voluntary counseling, testing and TB screening.  The tournament was organized under the theme of “Leading Front”. A total of 16 teams both boys and girls of ages 13-18 years from all the walks of Eastlands part of Nairobi converged at Kiambio community grounds, the heart of Kiambio, were waiting in readiness to participate in this unique 7-a-side street football tournament. The top two teams from each group played in the final to be crowned Kick N Test champions.

KIAMBIO SLUM.

Kiambio slum is the 3^rd biggest slum in Nairobi with an average population of 50,000 people and it is the host of VAP’s ground offices. The majority of the dwellers are depending on periodical manual jobs with a few being employed in informal sectors. Kiambio slum is also on record with the highest numbers of a myriad of social and economical challenges eg.HIV/AIDS, TB, lack of employment early pregnancies, rape etc. The location of VAP ground offices at the centre of Kiambio, has really developed a great relationship with the community as far as preventing and solving out some of the social challenges

AN EXTRA BOOST OFF THE FIELD

What made this tournament special? The team did not get points only for winning or drawing a match, but also participating in the Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDS activities, stop TB activity visiting VCT and TB screening tents over the course of the day. In the event of a tie, these extra points were more important than a point in the match. A total of 81 youth players were tested on HIV/AIDS status and screened on TB. Every youth/player that was tested walked out with a certificate plus a bonus point to his/her team.

One player from each age group was chosen as soccer champion, based on his/her performance in the tournament, and one as spirit champion, based on his/her enthusiasm in the Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDS and stop TB activities.

Community members around Kiambio got an opportunity for a VCT and TB screening services during the tournament.

FIELD CLASSROOM

During intervals and half time of both Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDs and stop TB activities, participants were sensitized on correlation between TB and HIV. The main theme was TB/HIV co-infection. Peer educators for both TB and HIV were at hand to conduct the activities and educate the participants. We at Vijana Amani Pamoja take this moment to express our gratitude to the funders and donors who have been donating towards our cause. We thank you so much and hope to continue partnering with you to change the lives of many people through the power of soccer. For more information on the tournament see attached document.

• 3rd Kick N Test VCT and TB screening tournament (PDF)