CAF Names United Against Malaria as Social Program of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named the United Against Malaria (UAM) campaign as an official social program of the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

Highlighted at the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2013 playoff draw in Johannesburg last week, in conjunction with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the South African Football Association (SAFA), the role of the tournament in disseminating messages about the prevention and treatment of malaria to millions of African football fans was reinforced.

“In order for Africa to compete on the global football pitch, we must have players and communities that are free of malaria,” said Mr. Hicham El Amrani, Secretary General of CAF. “We are committed to using the popularity of the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations tournament to raise awareness and increase the fight against this devastating disease.”

Although preventable and treatable, malaria kills a child in Africa every 60 seconds. By tapping into the popularity and excitement surrounding Africa’s signature tournament, CAF, the LOC and UAM have partnered together with tournament sponsors to disseminate life-saving malaria prevention and treatment messages to millions of fans across the continent.

"We, as the Local Organising Committee for the Orange AFCON 2013 are happy with the social issues that have been identified by CAF together with the social partners,” said Mvuzo Mbebe, the CEO of the Local Organizing Committee for the Orange AFCON 2013.” We believe that they are in line with our assertion that football must be used as a vehicle and platform to highlight the plight of Africans and marginalized communities. The fight against malaria and the interventions by UAM to help address this problem is welcomed by the LOC."

Through activities including television spots featuring prominent players and in stadium branding, UAM is partnering with tournament sponsors, including Standard Bank, to deliver life-saving messages on the prevention and treatment of malaria. Research has shown that audiences retain and act on these messages more often when delivered by their football heroes.

Players including Kolo Touré (Ivory Coast), Moussa Sow (Senegal), André Ayew (Ghana) have recognized the unique role they can play in malaria education and have lent their voice to the United Against Malaria campaign in various ways including interviews and participation in Public Service Announcements.

“Africa is our home. With malaria prevalent in 16 of the 18 countries in which Standard Bank has a presence in Africa, it is crucial for us to play a role in increasing awareness of malaria prevention and treatment amongst both our staff and the communities we serve. Through our strong partnership with UAM, and our long-standing CAF sponsorship, we aim to do just that,” says Sim Tshabalala, Deputy CEO, Standard Bank Group.

Building on the success of past football tournaments, such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2011 CECAFA Tusker Challenge Cup in Tanzania, UAM will continue to work with the African political leadership and private sector to play a greater role in stopping global malaria deaths, 91 percent of which occur in Africa.

Specific details on other activities in endemic countries and in stadium in South Africa are currently being finalized and the UAM campaign expects the tournament to highlight the need for continue support in the fight against malaria.

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