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UNAIDS

The ICC's established partnership with UNAIDS to help raise the awareness in cricket playing countries about the dangers of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the measures that can be taken to prevent infection, continues to be a major focus on the international and domestic agenda.

There are 40 million people living with HIV in the world. Of these, 12.35 million live in the cricket playing world. India and South Africa between themselves have nearly 9 million people who are infected. In the UK, Australia and New Zealand, current trends indicate a rise in sexually transmitted infections and in unsafe sex practices, indicating the need for renewed prevention efforts.

Young people aged 15-25 years are the most affected. Young people are increasingly sexually active at a younger age. Nearly 6000 of them get infected each day. Most of them do not even have the basic information about how to protect themselves and of those who do, the majority of them do not have the means to protect themselves.

Despite these very high numbers, there is continued denial and silence about the epidemic. People living with HIV/AIDS and their families constantly face stigma and discrimination.

The ICC represents the interests of cricket at the global level and the growth of cricket is linked closely with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Cricket is a sport that has increasing popularity, especially in countries most affected by HIV/AIDS.

ICC Global Development Manager Matthew Kennedy said that the activities were part of the ICC Development Program's on-going campaign to support HIV/AIDS awareness. "The fight against HIV/AIDS is a global problem which affects every single country and it is important that the awareness of this epidemic is raised throughout the ICC's membership base," said Mr Kennedy.

A few initiatives that have taken place around the regions are as follows:

  • The UNAIDS logo was placed on publications such as regional newsletters and websites.
  • The UNAIDS award within the ICC Development Program Annual Awards was introduced.
  • Players and officials wore Aids ribbons at high profile tournaments and seminars.
  • Promotional visits to HIV/AIDS community projects took place during tours to promote awareness.
  • Discussions about HIV/AIDS took place at coaching seminars.
  • HIV/AIDS literature was distributed.
  • Special HIV/AIDS related t-shirts were produced.
  • Regions highlighting the impact that HIV/AIDS had on the countries through local media initiatives.
UNAIDS background
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is an innovative joint venture of the United Nations family. UNAIDS brings together the efforts and resources of eight United Nations system organizations( UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UNDCP,ILO,UNESCO, WHO and World Bank) to help the world prevent new HIV infections, care for those already infected, and mitigate the impact of the epidemic. Its aim is to help mount and support an expanded response to AIDS‹one that engages the efforts of many sectors and partners from government and civil society.



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