On 16h July 2011, Vijana Amani Pamoja-VAP hosted the 3rd annual kick N Test VCT and TB screening soccer tournament at Kiambio slums. An exciting day of football, voluntary counseling, testing and TB screening. The tournament was organized under the theme of “Leading front”.

A total of 16 teams both boys and girls of ages 13-18years from all the walks of Eastlands part of Nairobi converged at Kiambio community grounds, the heart of Kiambio in readiness to participate in this unique 7-a-side street football tournament. The top two teams from each group played in the final to be crowned Kick N Test champions.

Kiambo Slum
Kiambio slum is the 3rd biggest slum in Nairobi with an average population of 50,000 people and it being the host of VAP’s ground offices. Majority of the dwellers are depending on periodical manual jobs with a few being employed in informal sectors. Kiambio slum is also on record with the highest numbers of a myriad of social and economical challenges eg.HIV/AIDS, TB, lack of employment early pregnancies, rape etc. The location of VAP ground offices at the centre of Kiambio, has really developed a great relationship with the community as far as preventing and solving out some of the social challenges.

An extra boost of the field
What made this tournament special? The team did not get points only for winning or drawing a match, but also participating in the Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDS activities, stop TB activity visiting VCT and TB screening tents over the course of the day. In the event of a tie, these extra points were more important than a point in the match. A total of 81 youth players were tested on HIV/AIDS status and screened on TB. Every Youth/player that was tested walked out with a certificate plus a bonus point to his/her team.

One player from each age group was chosen as soccer champion, based on his/her performance in the tournament, and one as spirit champion, based on his/her enthusiasm in the Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDS and stop TB activities.

Community members around Kiambio got an opportunity for a VCT and TB screening services during the tournament.

Field classroom
During intervals and half time of both Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDs and stop TB activities, participants were sensitized on correlation between TB and HIV. The main theme was TB/HIV co-infection. Peer educator for both TB and HIV were at hand to conduct the activities and educate the participants.

Enouce Ndeche, VAP.