AIDS Awareness Campaigns Stalled By FIFA

The 2010 World Cup  kicked off June 11 in South Africa.  The country has the highest rate of AIDS or HIV in the entire world. Some 12.1 percent of its citizens are infected. AIDS activists are using the publicity of the World Cup to spread the word about HIV prevention and awareness. This is the first time the popular event is being held in South Africa.

AIDS groups are concerned about visitors to the country participating in unsafe or unprotected sex and potentially spreading the virus further. The event will spur a number of parties and many are concerned the flow of alcohol may contribute to a relaxed stance about sex with unknown partners. This is a recipe for trouble and activists are doing what they can to inform visitors about the AIDS epidemic plaguing the country.  Mark Heywood of the South African National AIDS Council had hoped for more cooperation from FIFA to help get the word out. FIFA maintains they are doing what they can to inform guests about the dangers of having unprotected sex. FIFA prohibited any literature from being distributed at the venues where the events are being held.

Many local businesses are taking the campaign for safe sex one step further, hotels and public restrooms will be filled with free condoms and advising guests to practice safe sex. Johannesburg officials are handing out a 15 page booklet outlining how visitors can stay safe while visiting the country. A free condom is attached to each booklet.