AIDS Groups Slam FIFA for Blocking Condoms at World Cup

[emeraldize]

SOUTH AFRICA:   "AIDS Groups Slam FIFA for Blocking Condoms at World Cup"
Agence France Presse     (06.03.10)
One week before the start of the World Cup, AIDS activists in South Africa issued a statement accusing soccer's governing body of blocking access to condoms and HIV prevention materials at competition venues and fan parks. "To date, FIFA has not permitted any civil society organization to distribute HIV or health-related information," said groups including the AIDS Consortium and the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society. "FIFA has not provided any written confirmation that condoms may be distributed at stadia and within the fan fests." Advocates have raised concerns about the potential for HIV transmission during the month-long event in South Africa, where an estimated 5.7 million people are HIV-positive among the population of 48 million. In a reference to the nation's aggressive plan to diagnose and treat HIV, the activists said, "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." There was no immediate response from FIFA.


PS: I'll check but I believe 3.5 million female condoms were to be distributed at the World Cup. I don't if this was in addition to male condoms or the sole amount and type. If I locate that info, I'll add it in a subsequent post. Em
 

FOUND IT: News release from June 2

The Female Health Company Receives Order for 3.5 Million FC2 Female Condoms for Distribution at 2010 World Cup
 
CHICAGO, June 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Female Health Company (Nasdaq: FHCO) announced that it has fulfilled an order for 3.5 million FC2 Female Condoms to be distributed for HIV/AIDS prevention to attendees at the 2010 World Cup. The 2010 World Cup will take place in The Republic of South Africa from June 11, 2010 to July 11, 2010.

The month-long 2010 World Cup, which offers three million tickets to the games, is expected to flood the country with visitors. This event has been targeted as an opportunity to provide critical protection against transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI's), including HIV/AIDS.

O. B. Parrish, Chairman and CEO of FHC, praised the action stating, "Providing FC2 Female Condoms for the World Cup 2010 demonstrates a commitment to supporting HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. This commitment is particularly critical in light of the increasing numbers of females affected by AIDS." UNAIDS reports that worldwide, 33.2 million people, 15.4 million of which are women aged 15 years and older, are now living with HIV. WHO recently indicated HIV/AIDs is now the leading cause of death among women 15 to 44 years of age worldwide. The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS, a UNAIDS Initiative, is calling for more money in AIDS programs that work for women including closing the funding gap for the female condom and microbicides development."

About The Female Health Company

The Female Health Company, based in Chicago, Illinois, manufactures and markets the FC2 Female Condom® (FC2), which is available in about 100 countries around the world. The Company owns certain worldwide rights to the FC2 Female Condom®, including patents that have been issued in Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Japan and pending in various countries. The FC2 Female Condom® is the only available FDA-approved product controlled by a woman that offers dual protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cleared FC2 for purchase by U.N. agencies.