May 11, 2010: Luís Figo, the Portuguese soccer icon and WHO Goodwill Ambassador against Tuberculosis, visited the SOS Children’s Village in Amman, Jordan, to urge young people to "Run with me to stop TB."
The legendary star, recently retired from the Italian soccer team Inter Milano, has partnered with Jorge Sampaio, former President of Portugal and WHO Special Envoy to Stop TB, and Jordanian actress Rania Ismael to fight tuberculosis, a serious public health concern in the Mediterranean region.
Tuberculosis kills almost 45,000 people daily across the globe. Nine million new cases appear every year, striking adults in their prime and taking a heavy toll on families. Children, too, are vulnerable to tuberculosis. The disease often prevents them from attending school, thus limiting their future.
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Reading from his Anti-TB Comic Book
During his visit to SOS-Amman, Figo read from a comic book called “Luís Figo and the World Tuberculosis Cup.” Co-produced by the World Health Organization, the book portrays a Figo-led team consisting of teenaged girls and boys. Together they win a match against a team of tuberculosis germs. The story explains how serious TB is and how to avoid it.
Figo talked about the story’s lessons with the children, admired the drawings they made to show their understanding of the disease, and signed hundreds of caps, balls, shirts, and copies of the book, in both English and Arabic.
"Soccer has always been my passion, but I have another that is no less intense,” said Figo. “I dream of a world where all people have the opportunity to be healthy and improve their quality of life. I dream of an even playing field for women, men, and children everywhere."
In 2003, the soccer legend founded the Luís Figo Foundation, which strives to enhance opportunities for disadvantaged children and young adults, helping them to develop their potential through sports.
SOS Children’s Villages in Jordan
On Jordanian soil for almost 25 years, SOS Children’s Villages cares for 345 children who lack parental care. SOS has three Children's Villages in Jordan: in the capital, Amman; in Irbid in the north; and in the southern harbor town of Aqaba.
SOS-Jordan also runs facilities for youth, where young people can transition to independence, and kindergartens that are open to needy neighborhood children. You can help an SOS Children's Village like SOS-Jordan, Amman. Make a donation or sign up to receive SOS eNews today.