Free and anonymous HIV testing and counselling were available from the Test to Win pavilion in Kazan, Russian Federation, during the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Confederations Cup, held between 17 June and 2 July.
The pavilion also included an exhibition on HIV and sports and was the scene for workshops, training and appearances by sports celebrities, during which visitors could learn more about HIV. Fatma Samoura, the FIFA General Secretary, visited the pavilion, as did 2018 FIFA World Cup Ambassador Alexey Smertin, Miss Russia 2017, Polina Popova, and the photographer Serge Golovach.
During the two weeks of the competition, more than 3500 people visited the pavilion and received counselling on health issues—more than 1000 of whom were tested for HIV.
The campaign was led by the nongovernmental organization New Century, in partnership with Svetlana Medvedeva’s Foundation for Social and Cultural Initiatives and with support from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, the Republican Center for Prevention and Control of AIDS, the Ministry of Health of Tatarstan and UNAIDS.
On 26 and 28 June, Kazan hosted FIFA’s Forum 'Football for Hope' to promote and develop the use of football as a tool for social development in the Russian Federation and abroad. The forum brought together representatives of nongovernmental organization supported by FIFA’s Football for Hope from all over the globe to share their experiences and successes working in social development in football. The programme included panel discussions with the participation of UNAIDS and others on how football can help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
“UNAIDS’ Protect the Goal campaign at previous World Cups used sport to empower young people and adults to access HIV services. I hope that Test to Win will also become a flagship campaign initiative to mobilize people in the Russian Federation and globally.”
Fatma Samoura FIFA General Secretary
“This is not the first project on HIV and sports in Tatarstan and we are happy to continue our collaboration not only in sports with FIFA, but in innovative social development such as HIV prevention and the Test to Win campaign.”
Vasil Shaikhraziev Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan
“The most important thing is to involve and convince as many young people as possible. That in no case should you be ashamed to learn more about HIV and get tested. Everyone needs to know their HIV status!”
Polina Popova Miss Russia 2017
“FIFA’s Football for Hope demonstrated the global power of football to achieve gender equality, provide access to education, build piece and end AIDS. The Test to Win campaign is another example on how sport can help to reach the 90–90–90 targets.”
Lena Kiryushina Regional Youth Officer for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, UNAIDS
