Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra and Federico Macheda took time out of the club’s pre season tour of Asia to help the UNICEF UK champion the rights of marginalised children in Malaysia. ‘Positive Living’ is a UNICEF supported program in Kuala Lumpur, where the players spent time with street children and those whose families have been affected by the HIV virus.
Though Malaysia has shown greater measures for children in health and education, many as still living under the dark cloud of HIV. Many of these childrens parents are sex workers, drug users, migrants and refugees, and are in the highest risk category for HIV infection. The players sat with some of these children who discussed their harrowing experiences at length with the superstars, so they can hear first hand their plight.
UNICEF Ambassador, Ryan Giggs said –
It’s tragic to hear how marginalised children and those affected by HIV suffer as result of stigma. But by joining these children here today and showing our support we hope to send out a powerful message; that all children, no matter their background, where they live or their HIV status should be treated equally.
The main aim of the players visit was to highlight the facts about HIV, and to help break down the prejudice faced by marginalised children. UNICEF is working with the government to help challenge discrimination, protect children, and raise awareness of these issues including HIV prevention. UNICEF and Manchester United have now been in partnership for a decade, raising over £2 million benefiting over 1.5 million children worldwide.
Patrice Evra added –
Fighting against stigma is a vital step in protecting marginalised children. To do this we must all learn the facts about HIV/AIDS – you cannot get HIV by playing with children who are HIV positive. All children have the right to be treated fairly, and we support UNICEF’s work to ensure this.
