Aids organisations on Thursday criticised Fifa and the Local Organising Committee for "blocking" attempts to make condoms and HIV-related information available at World Cup stadiums and fan parks.
"To date Fifa has not permitted any civil society organisation to distribute HIV or health-related information and Fifa has not provided any written confirmation that condoms may be distributed at stadiums and within the fan festivals," they said in a statement.
They had requested an urgent meeting with the soccer body and the LOC, but were turned down.
The statement was issued by the Aids Consortium, the Community Media Trust, John Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa, the National Religious Association for Social Development, the South African HIV Clinicians Society, Section 27, Sonke Gender Justice Network, Soul City and the Treatment Action Campaign. It was endorsed by South African National Aids Council (Sanac) chairperson Mark Heywood.
The group believed Fifa had a "moral obligation" to team up with local organisations to protect citizens and visitors from HIV, tuberculosis and the H1N1 virus.
It wanted Fifa to tell the public whether it had approved the distribution of condoms and health information at stadiums and fan parks, and whether this approval extended to Sanac's civil society affiliates.
It also wanted to know whether HIV testing and condoms would be endorsed by Fifa and the LOC during the World Cup, for the sake of "millions of people" who would be watching.
LOC spokesperson Rich Mkhondo could not immediately be reached for comment. - Sapa
