HIV and Young People in Africa
TackleAfrica works in sub-Saharan Africa, the part of the world most affected by HIV and AIDS where young people are one of the groups most at risk of infection. It is estimated that 10 million people aged 15-24 are living with HIV worldwide, this age group represents about 40% of all new infections. We aim to promote positive behaviour change among young people, by providing them with information about HIV and AIDS through the medium of football.
Despite the crucial role that young people have to play in mitigating the impact of HIV, the level of awareness remains low, especially in rural areas. Young men and women are becoming sexually active in their teens, but parents, schools and community leaders are often reluctant to talk to them about sex before they are perceived to be adults, this is often too late.
We acknowledge that although we make every effort to include girls/young women and increase their participation in football, and many of our volunteer coaches are women, the fact remains that most of the young people we work with are boys/young men. We believe that they are an important target group, particulary those who do not attend school, as they are often missed out by more general HIV education or health programmes.
One of the strongest influences on the speed at which the HIV virus spreads is the sexual behaviour and attitudes of men. It the communities where we work, it is usually men, not women, who hold the power in sexual relations, determining when and how often sex takes place and whether or not a condom is used. However old they are when they first have sex, attitudes to sexuality and women are formed at an early age. Helping boys to learn about relationships and sex before they are sexually active is key in influencing them to adapt their behaviour in future.
In order for the power relations to change, young women need to become empowered, educated and economically independent, but this cannot happen in isolation. Young men must be involved and included, learning to respect their sexual partners and women in general, they can become role models and peer educators in HIV prevention campaigns, helping to protect the next generation.
TackleAfrica have a unique relationship with our supporters, and the vast majority of our funding comes from individuals who donate their time, energy and funds to helping us in our fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. As a small, dynamic and energetic charity with an international reach, we are always keen to build relationships with our supporters that go above and beyond the funds they raise to support our work. In the past, people who have raised funds for TackleAfrica have gone on to visit projects in Africa, qualify as TackleAfrica HIV/AIDS football coaches, give presentations on our work to other aid organisations and even become trustees!
