African football tournament to rally fans for UN fight against poverty, AIDS

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its partners have joined forces with organizers of the African Cup of Nations football tournament to use the upcoming games in Tunisia to promote a campaign against poverty and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Billboards in the five stadiums hosting the matches, which begin Saturday and will run through 14 February, along with jerseys worn by the 170 ball boys, are part of the effort to raise awareness of "Africa 2015," a UNDP initiative to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Goals, which include halving extreme poverty and hunger, bringing educational parity among boys and girls and improving the lives of 100 million slum-dwellers, were adopted in 2000 by world leaders at a UN summit.

The African Football Confederation, the African Cup Organizing Committee and top Tunisian officials have pledged to use their influence for "Africa 2015," which constitutes a pan-African movement relying on famous artists, singers and musicians from all over the continent, as well as sports champions, filmmakers, writers, journalists, various religious authorities and numerous municipal officials.

"Achieving the Millennium Development Goals is nowhere more imperative or urgent that in Africa," said UNDP Associate Administrator Zéphirin Diabré. "But it is not the responsibility of governments alone - everyone can and must contribute."

Congratulating the African Football Confederation, the Organizing Committee, national football federations and African players who have decided to make the commitment, he voiced hope that "many others will join the Africa 2015 team."