HIV-RELATED DEATHS
ARE DECLINING FOR ALL AGE GROUPS
EXCEPT ADOLESCENTS
Estimated global number of AIDS-related deaths among children aged 0-4, children aged 5-9, adolescents aged 10-19 and young people aged 20-24, 2000 to 2013
In Southern Africa
Only
30%
youth demonstrate comprehensive
HIV KNOWLEDGE
Fewer than
30%
have ever TESTED for HIV
and received their RESULTS
Only
33%
stay on TREATMENT
for those who do test positive
Stigma and discrimination contribute to a fear of testing and a lack of support for HIV-positive individuals.
Adolescent girls are particularly at risk, and are more than twice as likely to become infected than boys of the same age. Gender-based sexual violence contributes to the spread of HIV; girls who have experienced sexual violence are 1.5 times more likely to contract HIV.
Our Solutions
Education
Grassroot Soccer delivers vital HIV / AIDS knowledge to young people through our SKILLZ curriculum, addressing prevention by understanding risky behaviors along with basic facts about HIV. Trained local mentors – our Caring Coaches, incorporate soccer into dynamic lessons about health and wellness that engage young people and break down cultural barriers.
Access to HIV Services
Participants are given information and support to feel confident to voluntarily test for HIV. Through Voluntary Counseling and Testing Tournaments, GRS harnesses the power of soccer to bring youth and community members together for a fun day of soccer matches combined with access to free HIV testing and counseling services. GRS also promotes access to voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), an important strategy for HIV prevention.
Support For HIV + Youth
In addition to referrals, GRS offers a safe and inclusive environment for HIV-positive youth to openly discuss social concerns and support each other in adhering to HIV treatment.
Our Impact
Grassroot Soccer had compiled some of the most robust and comprehensive evidence of any organization globally that show we are affecting adolescent behavior change.
GRS Graduates are:
-
5 times less likely
than their peers to begin having sex between the ages of 12 and 15
-
4 times less likely
to have had sex in the last year
-
8 times less likely
to have had more than one sexual partner
-
53% more likely
to test for HIV
-
2.5 times more likely
to stay on treatment if they do test positive for HIV
-
2.5 times more likely
to undergo voluntary medical male circumcision
-
More informed
about the risks associated with older sexual partners and multiple sexual partners
-
Less likely
than their peers to stigmatize a classmate with HIV
-
Less likely
to believe that violence in relationships is acceptable