In the comic UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassadors Michael Ballack and Emmanuel Adebayor talk about HIV
Credit: 'Score the Goals' An educational comic book about the MDGs

A new comic book for children featuring Michael Ballack and other football stars who are United Nations Goodwill Ambassadors was launched on 24 January at the United Nations in Geneva, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, Mr Wilfried Lemke.

“Score the Goals: Teaming Up to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals”  is a 32-page educational comic book aimed at 8 to 12 year old children to provides a fun interactive way to help understand and reflect on the eight Millennium Development Goals.

The story features ten football United Nations Goodwill Ambassadors, including Michael Ballack, Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Baggio, Iker Casillas, Didier Drogba, Luis Figo, Raúl, Ronaldo, Patrick Vieira, and Zinédine Zidane.

The star-studded team journey to play an “all-star” charity football game in support of the United Nations. On the way they shipwreck on a deserted island and the story explores how the team copes by team spirit and survivor skills with the challenges that life on a deserted island brings.

The story simultaneously educates and entertains the young readers who are also invited to take action through several activities provided in the adjoining educational guide. The reader is invited to learn about the world’s challenges in ending hunger, universal education, gender equity, child health, maternal health, HIV, environmental sustainability, global partnership.

In 2000, the largest gathering of world leaders at United Nations Headquarters in New York adopted the United Nations Millennium Declaration. The Declaration, endorsed by 189 countries, committed nations to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty and it set out a series of targets to be reached by 2015. These have become known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In the comic Michael Ballack and fellow UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador Emmanuel Adebayor talk about HIV in reference to Goal 6 which sets out by 2015 to have halted and begun to reverse the spread of HIV.

Michael Ballack who has been a UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador since 2006 is convinced of the importance of reaching young people with accurate information about HIV.

“I want people to know more about HIV as well as the other Millennium Development Goals because health and development are interlinked,” said Michael Ballack. “Everybody should have equal access to information and I hope that with this comic book we can reach out to a large young audience with important messages.”

The project has been carried out in a ‘One-UN’ spirit as an inter-agency collaboration between the UN Office for Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), and the Stop TB Partnership.
The comic book is available in English, French and Spanish and other languages, including Arabic, Chinese and Russian, will be made available in the near future.

Credit: UNAIDS

Sport has a special ability to unify and galvanize people all over the world and therefore is a powerful vehicle for advocacy at the global down to the community level. In light of the potential of sports for AIDS advocacy, UNAIDS organized a consultation with representatives of several sports organizations and other experts from 24-26 October in Geneva to examine current initiatives and ideas for future activities.

“Sport has tremendous worldwide influence and impact, from the highest level of world championship events to children in remote villages playing with a home-made football,” said UNAIDS Executive Director at the opening of the consultation. “Stronger cooperation with the world of sport can invigorate the global AIDS response in a unique way and help us achieve all the Millennium Development Goals,” he added.

The consultation identified new ways to leverage the convening power of sports to promote HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. Participants also reviewed existing relationships and ways to build and strengthen partnerships between UNAIDS at the global, regional and country-levels, and the world of sports, the private sector, civil society and the media.

UNAIDS has established partnerships with sports personalities and organizations to raise awareness on AIDS issues and to help inform people on how to protect themselves against HIV infection. The 2010 FIFA World Cup initiative “Give AIDS the Red Card”, was backed by international football stars including UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors Michael Ballack of Germany and Emmanuel Adebayor of Togo. The campaign used the popularity and the outreach potential of football to unite the world around a common cause—preventing the transmission of HIV from mother-to-child.

This week’s consultation provided a forum to review progress around the “Give AIDS the Red Card” campaign and plan for the next phase. It also enabled discussions on future sports initiatives with UNAIDS’ partners including the International Olympic Committee and the International Cricket Council as well as identifying other cooperation opportunities with sports organizations and sports stars and stronger coordination with Cosponsors.

Participants agreed to explore innovative ways to convey HIV messaging through sports. Because the world of music and culture also has great popular appeal, the meeting also considered linkages with sport-related initiatives to amplify the range of the messages.

Other participants included Mr Adolf Ogi, former President of Switzerland and former Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace; Mr Wilfried Lemke, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace; Mr Krisrten Nematandani, President, South African Football Association; Mr Lebohang Morake (Lebo M), UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador and producer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony; Ms Katia Mascagni, International Olympic Committee; Mr Chris Hurst, Corporate Communications Manager, International Cricket Council;  Mr Amadou Fall, Vice President for Development in Africa of the NBA; Mr Adonal Foyle, Retired NBA basketball player and founder of the Kerosene Lamp Foundation; and, Mr Driss Guerraoui, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Morocco and Convener of the Global Youth Forum.

With the ending of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the UNAIDS web contest has come to a close as well. Contestants joined the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors footballers Michael Ballack and Emmanuel Adebayor in the ‘Give AIDS the Red Card’ web competition to learn about HIV and win prizes. The contest engaged hundreds of participants from all corners of the world. Respondents’ thoughtful ideas for a solution to stopping stigma and discrimination were particularly enlightening and promising.

The UNAIDS advocacy campaign, 'From Soweto to Rio de Janeiro, give AIDS the red card to prevent babies from becoming infected with HIV' is one of the initiatives towards ensuring a healthy and HIV-free generation of children.

Lucky winners will soon receive prizes and memorabilia, courtesy of Ballack, Adebayor and UNAIDS. UNAIDS would like to thank participants from all over the globe for their entries – we hope that you will continue to join us in working towards zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths!

Every 4 years, the world turns its eyes to the football World Cup, the biggest sporting tournament on the planet.  This year, the World Cup is being held in South Africa with many top teams and stars taking part. As in years past, UNAIDS will be hosting a web-competition, under the slogan “Give AIDS the Red Card” in order to celebrate the games.  With the help of UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors Michael Ballack and Emmanuel Adebayor, the “Give AIDS the Red Card” campaign leads us in the direction of preventing and ending mother-to-child transmission of HIV by the year 2015.

Contestants can win a variety of prizes, including signed memorabilia from players, if they can answer these 3 questions correctly:

1.HIV infection is widely stigmatized and people living with HIV often face discrimination. What is an effective way of tackling stigma and discrimination?

2.What is the purpose of UNAIDS’ new campaign featuring Ballack and Adebayor “Giving AIDS the Red Card”?

3.As of 2008, how many people were living with HIV in Sub Saharan Africa?

Send your answer to competition@unaids.org by July 11th 2010 

Good Luck!

Captains of South Africa, Nigeria, France, Paraguay, Uruguay, Australia, Cote D'Ivoire, Uruguay, Greece, and Serbia national teams join appeal to prevent  mothers from dying and babies from becoming infected with HIV.

Captain of the South Africa Football Team Mr Aaron Mokoena signing the UNAIDS World Cup Appeal at the Team’s Gala Dinner attended by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, 2 June 2010. Credit: George Philipas

Each day nearly 1200 babies are born with HIV worldwide—during the course of a 90-minute football match almost 80 babies will become newly infected.

Captains of the teams competing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa may be rivals on the pitch in the coming weeks, but off the pitch they are joining forces to support a global campaign to prevent mothers from dying and babies from becoming infected with HIV.

The initiative is backed by UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors and international football stars Mr Michael Ballack, former captain of the German World Cup team, and Mr Emmanuel Adebayor of Togo who have personally asked World Cup football team captains to sign this Appeal:

“Between now and 2014, when the next World Cup is played in Brazil, together we can stop babies from becoming infected with HIV and keep their mothers alive and thriving. Hence we appeal: From Soweto to Rio de Janeiro, give AIDS the red card and prevent babies from becoming infected with HIV.” —World Cup Appeal to prevent mothers from dying and babies from becoming infected with HIV

UNAIDS Executive Director Mr Michel Sidibé, who will attend the World Cup opening ceremonies later this week in South Africa said, “I thank Goodwill Ambassadors Adebayor and Ballack for their leadership. Through the Appeal, the global popularity of football and the prestige of team captains will help us raise awareness about the toll of HIV on mothers and babies and promote action to ensure that HIV testing and treatment services reach all who need it.”

Nigerian team captain Mr Kanu Nwankwo was the first to join up, signing the Appeal in the presence of Nigeria’s President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who was guest of honour at the gala send-off dinner for the national team.

Mr Aaron Mokoena, captain of Bafana Bafana, nickname of the host team South Africa, signed the Appeal at a good luck dinner for the team hosted by Kirsten Nematandani, President of the South African Football Association. Mr Joseph F. Blatter, President of FIFA; Mr Issa Hayatou, President of the Confederation of African Football; and Mr Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 World Cup Local Organizing Committee were also in attendance. Cote d’Ivoire team captain and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Didier Drogba, dynamic striker with Chelsea and top scorer this year in the English Premier League, has also signed.

Nigerian team captain Mr Kanu Nwankwo was the first to join the World Cup appeal, signing in the presence of Nigeria’s President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who was guest of honour at the gala send-off dinner for the national team. Credit: UNAIDS

Across the Atlantic Ocean in Latin America, Paraguay’s captain Mr Denis Caniza, and Mr Diego Lugano, the captain of Uruguay are signatories to the appeal. European captains have also signed up, including the team captain of France, Mr Patrice Evra, Mr Giorgos Karagounis, captain of the Greek team, and Serbia’s captain Mr Dejan Stankovic, who discussed the initiative at a press conference last week. Also signed on is Mr Lucas Neill, captain of Australia’s team.

The star players are taking action because in 2008 alone, 430,000 babies were infected with HIV, 90% in sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS-related illness is the single largest cause of death of infants and young children in much on Africa, and the leading cause of death of women of reproductive age across the world.

Countries are however making progress in stemming mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Nearly half of all HIV-positive pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries receive HIV treatment to prevent the transmission of the virus to their babies. These efforts are helping to improve maternal and child health and bring us closer to achieving all the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) is playing its part in tackling HIV. The Football for Hope Centre in Khayelitsha in the outskirts of Cape Town opened its doors in December, the first of 20 such community centres that will address HIV and other key issues affecting young people across the continent. FIFA will also screen advertisements for condoms and HIV prevention messages at fan parks during the World Cup where fans can view the matches.

“HIV infections in infants have been virtually eliminated in many high-income countries,” said Mr Sidibé. “Now we must apply the tools at our disposal to create an HIV-free generation in Africa and worldwide.”

“We can make change happen in the four years to come—using the power and outreach of the game of football,” states the Appeal. “We can reach out to men and women, families and football fans worldwide to ensure that children do not become infected.”

Emmanuel Adebayor, Football player and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director and Michael Ballack, Football Player and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador in Manchester on 6 December 2009.
Credit: Edward Garvey

On Saturday, 5 December 2009, Manchester City Stadium in the UK turned off its lights before the players entered the stadium as the UNAIDS campaign “UNITING THE WORLD AGAINST AIDS” featuring Michael Ballack and Emmanuel Adebayor played on the stadium’s two large scoreboards.

The match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City took place during the week of World AIDS Day, a time of solidarity for people living with HIV. The Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibé was invited as a guest of honor, to attend the game and meet the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors at this unique event.

A Goodwill Ambassador since 2006, Michael Ballack who plays for Chelsea has dedicated much of his time and effort to support UNAIDS and the AIDS response. He has helped leverage FIFA to include HIV prevention in the World Cup preparations; spoken to leading politicians to pledge for a scaled up commitment to the AIDS response; and, disseminated HIV prevention messages through the media. Michael Ballack has dedicated space for UNAIDS and for HIV prevention messages on his own web site www.michael-ballack.com, and has featured in numerous media outlets including BBC, CNN, Newsweek and Der Spiegel.

Manchester City star, Emmanuel Adebayor was appointed a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador in March 2009, but began supporting UNAIDS prior to this date. Since joining UNAIDS, Emmanuel has engaged with the press to highlight the need for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. He has spoken out about the importance of eliminating stigma and discrimination and undertaken an AIDS awareness mission in his native Togo.

Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director met with Gary Cook, CEO of Manchester City FC holding the UNAIDS advocacy swaetshirt in Manchester on 6 December 2009.
Credit: Edward Garvey

In 2008, Emanuelle Adebayor teamed up with Michael Ballack to star in the successful AIDS awareness campaign “United Against AIDS”, where the players feature in a public service announcement and print campaign. The story line builds around their rivalry on the pitch – but off the pitch – they are ‘united against AIDS’. The campaign also includes posters and postcards featuring HIV prevention messages.

As a former member of the Malian national football team, the Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibé is especially aware of the unique impact sport can play in the response. “We must use this popular game as a force for change to reverse the spread of epidemic and raise people’s awareness around the disease and how to protect themselves,” said Michel Sidibé.

UNAIDS’ Executive Director also met with the CEO of Manchester City Football Club, Mr Gary Cook, to thank him for his generous support to UNAIDS. Mr Cook congratulated UNAIDS on the current campaign and pledged his continued support to the initiative.

Jeux de la Francophonie opened in Beirut. Credit: UNAIDS/Nabil

The Jeux de la Francophonie (the Francophone Games) have been opened in Beirut by His Excellency Michel Suleiman, the President of Lebanon. The Jeux de la Francophonie is an event where sport and culture combine to foster dialogue and understanding among French speaking nations. The games are organized by a national organizing committee and the l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

“Through partnership change can happen,” said Mr Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I am delighted that this year for the first time, UNAIDS is an official partner to the Jeux de la Francophonie. The OIF has shown leadership and a strong commitment to placing AIDS on the games’ agenda.”

Abdou Diouf, Secretary-General of La Francophonie addresses the opening ceremony
Credit: UNAIDS/Nabil

Observing the opening ceremony, Mr Sidibé noted the ability of the event to unify people all over the world. “The games, with their unique approach of merging sport and culture, have created a space for the open and respectful dialogue needed to challenge the taboos often surrounding issues pertaining to AIDS,” said Mr Sidibé.

Empowering young people to protect themselves from HIV is one of UNAIDS nine priority areas in the Outcome Framework 2009-2011.

In the Jeux de la Francophonie young athletes and artists of the French-speaking world are given an opportunity to meet through sporting and cultural events. The games have an ambition to foster dialogue and understanding among participants as well as spectators. It also aims to encourage young athletes and artist to contributing to international solidarity and gender equality, as well develop artistic exchanges between francophone countries.

"La Francophonie contre le sida - Francophone countries against AIDS"

Across the city of Beirut UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors Michael Ballack and Emmanuel Adebayor feature on 100 billboards with the powerful message “La Francophonie contre le sida” (Francophone countries against AIDS).
Credit: UNAIDS

In a joint campaign, across the city of Beirut UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors Michael Ballack and Emmanuel Adebayor feature on 100 billboards with the powerful message “La Francophonie contre le sida” (Francophone countries against AIDS). The UNAIDS logo along with other partners to the Games, is displayed by the organizing committee within the Chamoun stadium, visible to an expected 200, 000 spectators and 50 million people following the games via broadcasting. 

Through the partnership, UNAIDS aims to raise awareness on AIDS issues and to help inform young people how to protect themselves against HIV infection.

With 7,400 new HIV infections daily worldwide and young people aged 15-24 accounting for 45% of these, empowering young people and raising awareness of the epidemic is seen as a key to bring about change.

Running from the 27 September to 6 October, the Jeux de la Francophonie brings together 70 countries from all over the world.

New global initiative at the FIFA World Cup shines spotlight on the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV

   (From left) Mr Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director, and Mr Kirsten Namatandani, President of South African Football Association (SAFA) 
Credit: Juda Ngwenya

JOHANNESBURG, 12 June 2010—A new campaign is using the power and outreach of football to unite the world around a common cause—preventing the transmission of HIV from mother to child. Launched today in South Africa by the UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, international musician Akon, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador and producer of the World Cup opening ceremony, Lebo M, UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador, Jimmie Earl Perry, and Kirsten Nematandani, President of the South African Football Association. The campaign aims to ensure an HIV-free generation by the 2014 FIFA World Cup to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Each year, an estimated 430 000 babies are born with HIV globally, the large majority in Africa. Over the course of a 90-minute football match, nearly 80 babies will become newly infected with HIV. In many parts of Africa, AIDS-related illness is the leading cause of death among infants and young children.

Through the campaign—backed by international football stars and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors Michael Ballack of Germany and Emmanuel Adebayor of Togo—captains of 32 World Cup qualifying teams have been invited to sign the appeal: “From Soweto to Rio de Janeiro, give AIDS the red card and prevent babies from becoming infected with HIV.” Nineteen captains have already signed on, including host country South Africa and defending champion Italy.

“By the next football World Cup we can virtually eliminate HIV transmission to babies,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé who attended the campaign launch in South Africa. “Let us give AIDS the red card permanently.”

The lives of mothers and their babies can be saved through a combination of HIV testing and counselling, access to effective antiretroviral prophylaxis and treatment, safer delivery practices, family planning, and counselling and support for optimal infant feeding practices.

An estimated 33.4 million people are living with HIV worldwide. Since 2001, there has been a 17% reduction in new HIV infections globally. However, for every two people who access antiretroviral treatment, five more become newly infected with HIV.

Contact:

UNAIDS New York | Richard Leonard | +1 646 666 8003 | LeonardR@unaids.org
UNAIDS South Africa | Sheba Okwenje | +127 11 517 1634 | okwenjeb@unaids.org