Department of Sports, Department of AIDS Control ink MoU

Department of Sports Secretary Ajit M Saran and Department of AIDS Control Secretary Lov Verma signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, under which an attempt will be made to reach out to youth engaged in sports activities at all levels and provide them with information on STI/HIV/AIDS prevention and related services.

The MoU also calls for capacity building of sports educators, administrators and coaches on minimizing the risk of HIV transmission on and outside the sports field; involve youth organizations, 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

The Department of Sports has agreed to issue directives to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA), the 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.

The Department of AIDS Control will take on the responsibility of providing technical support in capacity building on HIV/AIDS for sportspersons, trainees and staff of sports organizations and federations.

It will also share IEC materials for awareness generation activities and provide technical assistance to Department of Sports for inclusion of HIV in ongoing activities etc.