The Confederation of African Football is on a project to protect the health of its athletes.

Good health is an indispensable asset to any athlete. Understandably so because a frail athlete cannot be at his best. In Africa, there exist several endemic diseases (HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis) and ailments such as malnutrition that can render fragile the health of athletes. And the younger population, the breeding ground for competitive sports, is the hardest hit. For instance, 60 per cent of the 25 million persons infected with HIV in Africa are youths. If this trend is not halted, the continent risks loosing most of its budding athletes, its future stars and models.

It is for this reason that the Confederation of African athletics (CAA), intends to incorporate in its activities a programme entitled "The health of the African athlete". The idea is to sensitise young people on good health habits and the population at large on the need to preserve health. A symposium will be held in Dakar, Senegal from 25th to 26th April to reflect on how the project will be implemented in the various countries. During the meeting, athletes, sports authorities and donors will define a consistent mid-term and long-term programme of action adapted to the realities and the actual needs of the continent's athletes. The workshop will make it possible to have a clear vision of the goals to be achieved as well as the resources required to attain the defined goals.

One thing is certain, African athletes who have left their mark on the international scene would play a big role to pass over the health message to the population. For, the ultimate goal of the project is to rekindle hope within the entire continent.