A child watches a Team BENN rider during a Spin for Life campaign on the Coast.
It was a bit like waiting for a rock concert tickets.
Crowds of people camped out for long hours.
Government officials sang praises.
Children screamed to join the excitement.
A radio broadcasted live from the event.
But this was no rock concert.
This was a campaign to encourage people to go for an HIV test in two Namibian communities on the coast – Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
The incentive – to stand a chance of winning of brand new bicycle if you test – drew hundreds of people during a week of intense promotion by Team BEN Namibia.
Thousands of people received HIV messaging through direct contact and flier distribution.
A multitude of young men and women surrounded a cycling display where they could try stationary bicycles and engage in contests.
And hundreds of people waited in queue to test for HIV. In all, the two centres that partnered with BEN Namibia, saw a 600% spike in the amount of people testing.
In fact, this was far more important than a rock concert.
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- Team BENN riders encouraged people to engage in sports, avoid risky behaviour and learn their HIV status.
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- Martin shows a crowd of people his cycling skills in a Spin for Life display.
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- Some of the Team with the bicycle that people stand a chance to win if they went for an HIV test.
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- Hundreds of people were tested for HIV in Walvis Bay
