Signing of MoU between the Department of Sports and the Department of AIDS Control

Secretary, Department of Sports Shri Ajit M Saran, and Secretary, Department of AIDS Control Shri Lov Verma here today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Objectives of the MoU are to reach large number of youth engaged in sports activities at village, district and state level with information on STI/HIV/AIDS prevention and related services; build the capacity of sports educators, administrators and coaches on “Minimizing the risk of HIV transmission on and outside the sports field; involve youth organization, sports federations in HIV/AIDS prevention activities; promote awareness generation through hoarding and banners at eminent places and sports infrastructure during state/national events and tournaments; and involve eminent sports personalities for addressing social stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS 

For fulfillment of objectives of MOU, the Department of Sports would issue directives to Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Anti Doping Agency (NADA), Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education (LNUPE), National Sports Federations (NSFs) and other sports bodies for creating awareness on HIV/AIDS and prioritize HIV/AIDS activities in various sports events and encourage sports persons to associate with HIV/AIDS awareness programmes; display of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials like hoarding/ panel for promotion of HIV/AIDS awareness at the venue of sports events and other major occasions; identify sports personalities to become goodwill ambassadors to reduce stigma and discrimination against PLHIV; wearing red ribbon by players during major sports events to reflect and strengthen commitment to HIV/AIDS program etc. 

The Department of AIDS Control provide technical support in capacity building on HIV/AIDS for sportspersons, trainees and staff of sports organizations and federations; provide technical support by sharing of IEC materials for awareness generation activities; provide technical assistance to Department of Sports for inclusion of HIV in ongoing activities etc.