Skjelmerud A; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. ThPeD7853.
HeSo, NIF, Oslo, Norway
Issues: Several creative approaches have been developed in Africa to combine sport and addressing AIDS. Sport is very popular among young people, and the sports arenas may therefore be good venues to discuss AIDS with young people. The Norwegian Olympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) cooperates with grass-root oriented sport organizations in Southern Africa. NIF and the partners have been challenged by the problems facing many young people in relation to HIV/AIDS. Sports organisations have started to address AIDS, and an initiative called the Kicking AIDS Out (KAO) Network has been launched, with support from NIF. NIF has undertaken a study to see how sports may be utilised in addressing issues related to HIV/AIDS. Description: The presentation will discuss findings from the study, and present some of the methods used by the Kicking AIDS Out Network to address sports and AIDS together, as well as their experience. Kicking AIDS Out is a Concept of combining sports activities and addressing HIV/AIDS is a Network of sport organizations. Tools have been developed to combine sport activities and addressing AIDS. Sport events are also utilized to mobilize the community in relation to AIDS. Both NIF and the KAO network are concerned with the gender dimension of the work. Promoting participation and leadership training among girls is a key objective in the participating organizations. Fighting stigma is another main objective. Lessons learned: Where the KAO principles have been implemented, there are many examples of good and frank discussions among young people regarding HIV/AIDS. The study identified a mutual interest between sport and HIV/AIDS agencies to develop cooperation on sport and HIV/AIDS, as a good way to reach young people. Recommendation: Partnerships need to be developed between sport organizations and organizations working with AIDS, for them to complement each other. Sport has an important potential in reaching young people.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Africa
- Africa, Southern
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Organizations
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102281621
From Meeting Abstracts