FIFA Slammed for Blocking Condoms at World Cup

South African AIDS organizations on Thursday accused football's governing body FIFA of blocking access to condoms and HIV education materials at World Cup stadiums and fan parks.

"To date FIFA has not permitted any civil society organization to distribute HIV or health related information," said the AIDS Consortium, the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society and several other organizations in a statement.

Quiz on HIV / AIDS
Statistics tell us that the world HIV+ population has risen drastically from 8 million in 1990 to a whopping 33 million in 2007! Even more alarming is the fact that young people (below the age of 25) account for half of these infections! This is adequate proof for the lack of awareness among the general public even in these modern times. So take our quiz and brush up on the essential facts of HIV/AIDS.

There are 10 questions on HIV / AIDS in this quiz that will explore the depth of your knowledge and provide answers to the following:

Immune control of HIV ()
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS ()
Cure for AIDS ()
Acute HIV syndrome ()
World AIDS day ()
Western blot ()

"FIFA has not provided any written confirmation that condoms may be distributed at stadium and within the fan fests."

The groups said FIFA has a "moral obligation" to partner with local organizations in fighting HIV in the world's worst-affected country.

How to use a condom
This Interactive provides step by step visual aid showing how to correctly use condoms which can prevent transmission of HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy

An estimated 5.7 million of South Africa's 48 million people are HIV positive, raising concern about the disease spreading during the June 11 to July 11 World Cup.

In April the country launched the world's largest HIV testing and treatment program, aimed at providing drugs to 80 percent of HIV-positive South Africans and testing 15 million people by the end of June 2011.

Female Condom
Animation on how to use Female condom and its advantages.

The organizations encouraged FIFA to support the new initiative.

"The World Cup is an opportunity to take forward this campaign and to combine sport with messages about HIV prevention and healthy living that can be heard by millions," they said.

HIV/AIDS Risk Calculator
The HIV risk quiz helps you determine risk factors for HIV.

There was no immediate reaction from FIFA.

Source-AFP