FIFA in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Football Association, United Nations agencies (WHO and UNICEF) on 1 November launched the ‘FIFA 11 for Health’ programme in Freetown aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among young people. The programme was launched by a delegation of FIFA officials led by the football legend Samuel Eto’o Fils.

A brief training and coaching session was conducting was done with the children to inspire them achieving their goals. “Discipline, education, hard work, healthy lifestyles and regular training are key to success”, Eto’o encouraged the children during their training session.

The “FIFA 11 for Health” promotes 11 simple messages about healthier lifestyles using the popularity of football as a means to reach young people. Each of the 11 messages is linked to a specific football action or skill to encourage learning and participation as a safe way to improving health and staying fit especially among young people. The programme provides guidance to help tackle the most frequent causes of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, diabetes and obesity.

The initiative is expected to be rolled out to schools in phases following trainings of teachers for its implementation in the schools. The “FIFA 11 for Health” programme was developed based on the top ten health risk factors highlighted by the World Health Organization.

 “Now that Sierra Leone has come to the end of the Ebola outbreak, the FIFA 11 for health initiative is timely to ensure that this country stays fit and healthy”, Anders  Nordström, WHO Representative.

The 11 messages are: 1. Play football; 2. Respect girls and women; 3. Protect yourself from HIV and STDs; 4. Avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco; 5. Use a treated bed net (in countries where malaria is a problem)/control your weight (in countries where malaria is not a problem); 6. Wash your hands; 7. Drink clean water; 8. Eat a balanced diet; 9. Get vaccinated; 10. Take your prescribed medication; 11. Fair play, and the messages can be tailored to local needs.

 Several top players have adopted one of the 11 health messages to help promote the campaign on football for health.