OYDC, PEPFAR PARTNER TO COMBAT HIV THROUGH SPORTS

OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre has officially launched the OYDC-PEPFAR Small Grants HIV Prevention Project and a community mobilization training which has attracted over forty youths.

The launch was done at the start of the two days’ workshop from 25 to 26 October, 2019 to train coaches, young leaders, role models, athletes, and champions on HIV prevention through sports.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) small grants program on HIV prevention supported by the US Government through the US Embassy in Zambia will help OYDC Zambia to mitigate the spread of HIV.

OYDC Zambia has for the first time been awarded this grant, and we would like to thank the USA Embassy for trusting us. With this grant, we hope to use the power of sport, which is our core business, to address stigma and discrimination, especially among key populations; Promote positive behavior change and practices in individuals to prevent the spread of HIV and Build capacity and empower communities to sustainably reduce the spread of HIV.

Chief Executive Officer Fredrick Chitangala

And Dr. Chitangala said the workshop involved training of young leaders, coaches, athlete role models and champions on the delivery of the project at OYDC and the surrounding communities stating that the Project on prevention of HIV through sport is part of the OYDC Zambia mandate which uses sports as a tool for HIV prevention.

You may wish to know that since its inception, OYDC has been involved in numerous programs on the prevention of HIV among thousands of athletes, coaches, sport administrators and members of the community. OYDC thrives on its human resource, facilities and partners for effective delivery of HIV prevention strategies. The Centre leverages on strategic partnerships to assist in implementation of activities that contribute to reducing the prevalence of the HIV pandemic in Lusaka and across the country

OYDC Zambia, targets to reach out to over 100, 000 beneficiaries using sport as a tool for HIV prevention at the end of 2020 when the project will come to a close.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chitangala revealed to those attending the training that they will undertake various activities once they complete the training which include; Mobilization for Prevention of HIV through options such as Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), Condoms, VMMC and ART.

The training is being facilitated by Nelly Kanjele from Pact Zambia, James Zimba National Campaign Coordinator, from World Vision Zambia and Ellen MC. Mubanga, Public Private Sector Coordinator from National AIDS Council.

Those in attendance included retired track and field athlete Samuel Matete, sprinter Sydney Siame, judoka Simon Zulu and badminton player Olga Siamupangila

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