Liverpool striker Sadio Mane teamed up with Liverpool Foundation and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to launch an initiative to fight HIV and AIDS in Malawi.

The Senegalese international was unveiled on Wednesday at Anfield Sports and Community Centre as the star of the project which encourages access to health services and education as a tool to fighting the pandemic among the youth.

In an interview with his club portal, Mane said that he was delighted to empower Malawi youth.

“It is an initiative that is close to my heart. It is something that I am very happy to do. It is important to help people.

“They approached me about the initiative, and it became clear I was maybe the right person to help. When they told me about it, I was very, very happy to help out. I’m looking forward to doing my bit,” Mane told www.liverpoolfc.com

Mane, who forms a deadly attacking duo with Egypt’s Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, has recorded a special message for Malawi youths, demonstrating how they can use a swab test on themselves to check for HIV.

On his part , Head of the LFC Foundation, Andrea Cooper,  said: “This is such an exciting, progressive project for the LFC Foundation and we are delighted to be working alongside the very talented team at LSTM to deliver it.”

Malawi has one of the highest number of people living with HIV is one of the highest in the world.The young people account for 50% of new infections and incidences are highest among 15 to 17-year-olds.
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