By Terry Stallard,                     30 Jul 2010 -  Zululand Observer

Encouraging youth to learn more about research and HIV intervention methods through sport is a priority being implemented in the Hlabisa sub-district of Zululand. 

Ubumbano Lwentsha (Youth project) was initiated in 2009 by the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies as a two-year, sport/research programme, to educate and inform young people about the importance of being regularly tested for HIV, and to share health messages and research results with their community.

The first knock-out tournament took place between 6 June and 29 November 2009 where 32 soccer and netball teams were formed from 23 neighbouring isigodi (villages).  The programme, which included sponsorship of team uniforms, was funded by the UK-based Wellcome Trust.

At each game, rapid HIV tests were offered in mobile voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres. Of the 6 000 people attending the sports games, 132 youth responded to VCT.

Explanation

When asked why the response rate was so poor, Tinofa Mutevedzi, head of research operations at the Africa Centre, said: “Two percent is definitely too low, but HIV testing is generally low. This is the first time we have combined testing with a sporting event, which is rather unusual.  We expect that in time people will get used to the idea the more they are exposed to it.  Furthermore, many people claimed to have tested previously and know their status.”

Mutevedzi stressed that that it was important for sexually active people to test at least twice a year.  Aside from the matches, 15 smaller, community-based group discussions were held with more than 225 youths participating.  Issues discussed included access to VCT and anti-retroviral (ART) programmes, implications of results from Africa Centre research studies, and general career development.

With dust settling from World Cup euphoria, the next phase of sports matches and community interaction will take place from 4 August to 6 November.