(CNN) -- Editor's notes: In the first of three articles, CNN reports on social initiatives that have played a prominent role, and that have been at the center of debate, at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In part one we look at AIDS awareness in the Rainbow Nation and whether football's world governing body FIFA is delivering on its promise
When South Africa was named host nation of the inaugural African World Cup, organizers were keen to stress how the tournament would leave a legacy for the country and the continent.
Sepp Blatter, the president of world football's governing body FIFA, said: "This World Cup has to be about ... legacy. Bringing boys and girls together, organizing schooling and health education, providing the tools and the incentive to fight against poverty and disease -- that is the legacy we want to leave".
Six million people live with HIV in South Africa, which accounts for one in 10 of the domestic population, according to UNICEF figures gathered in 2007.
These statistics compare to figures of 2.6 million living with HIV in Nigeria (one person in every 58,) and 1.2 million people in the United States (one person in every 256).
The tournament was seen by many as the perfect platform to promote safe sex and increase awareness and education about a disease that is, to a large degree, still a taboo subject in the region.
South African president Jacob Zuma publically revealed he had tested negative for HIV earlier this year in order to extend the debate on the problem.
"The purpose is to promote openness and to eradicate the silence and stigma that accompanies this epidemic," he told reporters in April.
