The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has announced a new partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness HIV/STI Program Office, in collaboration with the Ministry’s Adolescent Health division.
The partnership, aimed at promoting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) awareness, was officially launched on Wednesday at the BFA Technical Centre in Wildey.
Present at the launch were BFA President Randy Harris, FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) Manager Dale Rudder, Senior Medical Officer of Health for the HIV/STI Program Dr. Dale Babb, and Community Health Education Consultant in the Ministry’s HIV/STI Program Sade Leon-Folkes.
The initiative, a collaborative HIV/STI Sexual Reproductive Health Community Outreach Program, is set to begin in the coming weeks.
Its primary goal is to improve awareness of SRH while increasing access to important services such as check-ups, HIV testing, STI screening, and mental health support.
Outreach activities will include free and confidential HIV testing, STI screening, the distribution of educational materials, condom demonstrations, and open community discussions on HIV/STI transmission, prevention, care, and support.
Dr. Babb emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “The decision to collaborate with the BFA stems from the strong bonds within football teams and the broader football community. These connections will help the Ministry spread vital health education messages across all parishes on a larger scale.”
BFA President Randy Harris expressed his full support for the initiative, thanking the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the opportunity. He stated, “National health education is a shared responsibility, and the BFA is pleased to assist in not only educating and empowering our players regarding sexual and reproductive health but also using football to spread these important messages throughout the wider community.”
He added, “Given that football is a fundamental part of Barbadian society, the synergy between the two entities makes great sense. The BFA looks forward to strengthening this relationship and building more corporate and social partnerships that contribute to transformational development within both football and society at large.” (PR)
