KICK DISEASE OUT OF MBITA SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Kick Disease out of Mbita
In June 2010, MED25 held the first Annual MED25 Football (Soccer) Tournament, “Kick Disease out of Mbita.” Eight teams from nearby villages turned out to fight for a new set of soccer jerseys, health vouchers to the MED25 Clinic, and bragging rights within the community we serve.
While the football game was the entertainment, the focus for MED25 was community sensitization and mobilization. We partnered with local peer educators who performed health skits at half time on topics such as HIV/AIDS and the harm of witchcraft. Although all were invited, the focus was on Men’s health (18 years or older), the least likely group to seek treatment from a health care facility. Partnering with other non-profit organizations from the area, we were able to counsel and test over 50 people for HIV, as well as offer male medical circumcision. Circumcision is very important in this community because it greatly decreases a man’s risk of contracting HIV. Tuungane Youth Project.
The tournament was about bringing multiple communities together around something they love, and giving them an opportunity to hear about health, the MED25 Clinic, and the staff who operates the clinic. Over 200 community members came to watch the games and get involved with the health activities.
Because of its huge success, the community has convinced MED25 to make the MED25 Football Tournament an annual event. Plans are in progress for the next Football Tournament which is scheduled for August 2011.
