Photos

On 18 January, the first day of his visit, Michael Ballack met with men who have sex with men (MSM), a key population at higher risk of HIV during a visit to the Health4Men initiative at the Yeoville Clinic in Johannesburg. Credit: UNAIDS/M.Safodien

The innovative programme provides free sexual health services to men who have sex with men (MSM), who often experience stigma and discrimination and struggle with a lack of services catering to their needs. Credit: UNAIDS/M.Safodien

Mr Ballack toured the programme, spoke with health providers and met with men who have sex with men (MSM). “I think it is so important that we give attention to HIV because it is everybody’s business,” said Mr Ballack. Credit: UNAIDS/M.Safodien

“It is almost impossible to discuss MSM sexual issues openly in South Africa. This is why it is important for these kinds of services to be integrated, into mainstream health care services provided throughout the country,” said Glenn de Swardt, Programme Manager at the Health4Men site. Credit: UNAIDS/M.Safodien

The Grassroot Soccer project in Soweto was on the itinerary on day two. Along with UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé, Mr Ballack spent time with participants of the programme. Grassroot Soccer uses soccer to deliver key life-skills to young people and to educate, inspire and mobilize communities to stop the spread of HIV. Credit: UNAIDS/M.Safodien

UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador and football star, Michael Ballack witnessed how football is transforming lives in South Africa. Credit: UNAIDS/M.Safodien

Mr Ballack participated in a skills building session and then gave a 20 minute demonstration of football skills with the young people. Credit: UNAIDS/M.Safodien