Youth in the community going through HIV/AIDS testing
MUSLIM FAMILY Counseling Services (MFCS) has organized an HIV/AIDS prevention football gala competition to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Ghana AIDS Commission.
The event was aimed at using soccer to facilitate HIV/AIDS counseling, actively support stigma reduction and encourage voluntary HIV/AIDS testing among the Muslim community.
The program was under the theme “Using sports to combat HIV/AIDS through the Muslim community.”
Speaking on the theme, Mohammed Bun Bida, Programmes Manager for MFCS said sports is not only for pleasure but can be used as a tool for development and a healthy lifestyle.
He continued that HIV/AIDS is no longer a disease people should run away from since testing has been provided in various communities across the county.
“Malaria, accidents and certain diseases kill people instantly more than HIV/AIDS so the general public should not be frightened,” he said.
Chief Baba Issa, Executive Director of MFCS said the leadership of the Muslim community would support the fight against HIV/AIDS noting, “residents will also be encouraged to fully support and collaborate in HIV/AIDS stigma reduction and voluntary HIV testing efforts.”
He noted that since the National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS (NSP) 2011-2015 aimed at reducing mother-to-child transmissions from 30 percent to less than 5 percent and reducing new infections by 50 percent, “all stakeholders need to get fully on board to prevent HIV and ensure care and support for people living with HIV.”
Baba Issah further noted that by creating awareness on the need for HIV/AIDS testing and other health matters, Ghana would be able to achieve its Millennium Development Goals for 2015.
Out of 20 participating teams from 10 communities, Maamobi All Stars won the match and was presented with a trophy and other prizes.
By Mary Asabea Ansah
