Preventing TB & HIV through education

South Africa has one of the highest rates of tuberculosis infection in the world. Serious innovation is required to help address this challenge, as too many people are dying of a curable disease.

The spectacle of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when all eyes were on South Africa, was the chance to bring this situation to the world’s attention. It was during the tournament that “Kick TB & HIV” was born – an innovative tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS awareness and education programme fronted by the National Department of Health.  Since March 2010, Kick TB & HIV has reached in excess of 1.5 million people at ground level, across all nine provinces of South Africa. A version of the programme has also been rolled out in Ghana, Zambia, the Philippines and Brazil. The programme is endorsed by the World Health Organisation and has South African Health Minister, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu as its patrons.

The Kick TB & HIV concept is simple: soccer balls with TB and HIV/AIDS health and infection control messaging emblazoned all over them are handed out to primary school learners to teach them about these ailments in a unique and exciting way. Other branded items such as shopping bags and rulers are also used to spread the word that TB is a curable disease; that with the treatment, TB can be “kicked”. The catchy slogan – “Let’s Play. Let’s Learn. Let’s Save Lives.” – says it all.

After participating in a rigorous tender process, including quality control and product testing, Kadimah beat a long list of local and international suppliers to secure the contract to produce 250 000 branded soccer balls. We worked closely with the project director throughout, handling everything from packing and printing to the logistics of getting the balls into just about every school in the country.

Kadimah also handled the long list of support items and branded goods, including banners, branded tables, chairs, gazebos and rulers, as well as jackets, caps, beanies, T-shirts and scarves to kit out the dedicated volunteers. We supplied the lot, ensuring brand messaging was consistent across the various items and that delivery deadlines were met to coincide with important milestones like International TB Day.

Our own passion matched that of the project organisers, all of us united in the fight against TB and HIV infection in South Africa.

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