ALGIERS, Algeria - on 17 May, 2014 the HIV/AIDS sensitization campaign “Protect the Goal” arrived in Algeria with the aim to continue to raise commitment for prevention of HIV/AIDS and to enable affected populations to live in dignity.

A symbolic soccer ball carries the campaign through the African countries qualified for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. It was kicked off in Soweto, South Africa - the host country for the Soccer World Cup 2010. At every stopover, the Heads of State sign the soccer ball; beyond Algeria it will continue the journey to Brazil, where it will be handed over to the winning team.

The campaign was initiated and organized by UNAIDS with support from UNFPA and UNICEF.

The ball’s arrival in Algeria, accompanied by a UNAIDS team and the actor Richard Gant, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, kick-started a 3-day campaign. The campaign received tremendous engagement and commitment across the country. Civil society organizations and the network of people living with HIV organized sensitization and advocacy activities, and the UN agencies held high-level meetings in various ministries i.e. Foreign Affairs, Youth, and Health. Madjid Bouguerra. Algeria’s National team captain, signed his commitment to the campaign, and went on to appeal to fans, supporters and young people in general to engage in HIV prevention because he believes young people need to support the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The signature of the ball by his Excellency the President of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, reaffirmed the position of Algeria on the response to HIV/AIDS.

The “Protect the Goal” campaign became a unique opportunity in Algeria to revive the national response to HIV/AIDS. In spite of the fact that the prevalence rate in the country is low at 0.1%, prevention ought to continue to avoid rapid outbreak of the infection in the coming years.

Soccer proved to be a magical catalyst to engage young people in these efforts. The strong commitment of the various stakeholders leaves a promise for this trend to continue also after the ball has continued its journey.