Germany's World Cup Captain Joins the Fight Against AIDS

German football star Michael Ballack has agreed to help raise the profile of the global fight against HIV/AIDS as special representative for the United Nations, UNAIDS said Thursday.

The UN agency coordinating the struggle against the disease described Ballack as a role model for many youngsters. His engagement will help press messages on prevention and provide support for its campaigns.

"AIDS is everyone's business. Sport and especially football can help break social barriers and fight stigma and HIV," said Ballack, who is currently training in Switzerland with Germany's squad for next month's World Cup. "Through sport young people can become more self-confident and protect themselves from HIV. I want today's youth to know the facts about HIV and AIDS."

"In my new role as UNAIDS Special Representative, I will help save lives by engaging the sports world to take action against AIDS," said Ballack, who earlier this month signed a lucrative three-year deal with Chelsea.

About half of all new HIV infections are in children and young people under 25. Every minute a child dies of an AIDS-related illness and every minute a child becomes infected with HIV, according to Geneva-based UNAIDS.

"I am proud to have Michael Ballack on board as a UNAIDS Special Representative," said Peter Piot, the agency's executive director.

"Through his dedication and eagerness to make a difference, I know he will be a strong voice on HIV and AIDS. Mr Ballack's talent and commitment will inspire young people to be smart about HIV."