Former Drug User Turns to Soccer to Combat Stigma, Teach About HIV

Because drug users often engage in dangerous behaviors like sharing dirty needles, they are at more risk of becoming infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Many of those infected struggle to cope with not only addiction and HIV treatment, but also with the social stigma associated with AIDS. In Indonesia, activist Ginan Koesmayadi takes a different approach to rehabilitation, using soccer to help HIV-infected addicts stay clean and show the world they can lead normal lives. Sara Schonhardt brings us this week's "Making a Difference" profile.

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[christo930]

When IV drug users have access to clean needles and they KNOW about it, the HIV, Hep-C and abscesses drop precipitously. Any efforts to make new clean needles available to high risk individuals is a good one.

[GinoTheSpy]

shouldv worn a hat