Using the Power of football to control HIV and AIDS among in and out of school youth and FSWs in Kasese district
After 2010 world cup, Nike Red and King Baudouin Foundation (KBF) issued an RFA calling civil society organizations to use innovative approaches to mobilize youth and Key populations (KP) including female sex workers (FSWs) against HIV and AIDS. RTY was lucky to win a grant for two years. Project was implemented among 8 out of school youth groups, 8 primary and 8 secondary schools in Kasese district, FSW and women prisoners. . RTY organized inter- primary and inter secondary schools football matches for both male and female students and inter-out of school youth group’s matches and winner of each category for both male and female were presented with trophies. Each school was given footballs, sports jerseys for boys and girls, goal nets and whistles. District FUFA referees officiated the matches and local government officials were guest of honors at all matches. Before each match youth were sensitized about HIV and AIDS, counseled and testing for HIV. Those found HIV+ were referred. IEC messages were developed and distributed in schools, public places and car stickers with HIV messages put in taxis and buses. Some of the key results and outputs are Iincreased knowledge about HIV/AIDS among 3,431 (1654 primary children; 1,240 secondary students, 449 out of school male youth and 53 commercial sex workers. Out of school youth and in school pupils were supplied with sports uniforms, balls, goal nets, whittles and this motivated them to participate in 24 football match competitions. 50 sex workers reported consistent use of condoms. Those found negative were referred and started on ART and PMTCT programs. RTY also conducted HIV testing for female prisoners
Increasing Accessibility to HIV and AIDS Services for Most at Risk Populations (MARPs)
This project was implemented in 5 sub-counties of Bugoye, Rukoki, Hama Karusandara, Nyamwamba and Maliba in Kasese District. The project focused on biomedical intervention in four thematic areas; Condom distribution, Behavior change communication BCC, HCT and PMTCT and predominantly utilizes interpersonal communication channels, primarily through involvement of the Village Health Teams (VHT) and Peer Educators. It also established formal collaboration with the Rwenzururu Cultural Institution (Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu) that sensitized the leadership as part of the advocacy strategy. The key thrust of this project is to increase access and utilization of HIV and AIDS services for women living with HIV and MARPs (FSWs, long distance drivers, fishing communities, taxi drivers etc) at community level predominantly through the inter-personal and small group approaches, and thus increase the utilization of the available biomedical interventions for prevention of HIV. Community-based service delivery through outreach interventions was used to increase availability and access to the HIV prevention services. The project was implemented in partnership with National Community of Women Living with AIDS (NACWOLA).
Goal and Objectives
The overall goal of this project is to contribute to the reduction of new HIV infections in Kasese district
Specific objectives