Ghana would be benefiting from a UEFA-CAF donations of footballs to be used by schools in the campaign against HIV/AIDS.

With the African Heads of State and government, declaring 2007 as the “International Year of African Football”, the Ghana Football Association would be partnering UEFA and CAF to help in the campaign against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The initiative would see UEFA donate 81,000 balls manufactured in Africa to be distributed for use in schools located in all CAF member associations under 'Alive & Kicking' banner.

Ghana, Egypt, Gambia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Ethiopia and Liberia are the first beneficiaries of the project.

Each national association would be receiving 1,000 or 2000 footballs depending on the size of the country.

The programme aside its educational ingredient is to revive the local production of affordable, durable and repairable leather balls in Africa.

The balls will carry an HIV/AIDS prevention message and the project will comprise three main elements.

As many schoolchildren as possible will be provided with locally-made, good-quality and easily repairable leather footballs.

Local production of footballs will create employment in the stitching centres.

Each centre employs 20 workers aged between 22 and 35 years of age, providing skills and employment to people who are really in need.

Finally, a health education message will target young people about the HIV/AIDS epidemic.