Leone Stars to undergo HIV/AIDS test

By Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk)

As the campaign to use football to fight HIV/AIDS gets underway, it has been suggested that all players in the senior national team Leone Stars should go test for the disease.

By knowing their HIV/AIDS status, it is said, the nation will be certain their footballers are healthy and of sound mind.

The suggestion arose after a Reverend woman, Christian Sutton-Koroma, asked a press conference on Manchester United FC Supported HIV/AIDS Campaign in Sierra Leone whether Leone Stars players have all being tested for the disease.

Dr Momodu Sesay, Programme Manager- National HIV/AIDS Control Programme, said if we want to use the national football team in the fight against HIV/AIDS it is imperative they test for the disease.

“Besides that, players should be healthy in order to play well. And if they go for a HIV/AIDS test, they will know their status,” said Dr Sesay.

Leone Stars yesterday left for South Africa to play Bafana Bafana in the qualifiers of the 2010 World Cup and AFCON. It cannot be speculated how they will react to the suggestion when they return.

However, SLFA secretary general Alimu Bah told KES the suggestion has been noted.