Dr. Fatma Mrisho, Executive Director for Tanzania Commissions for AIDS (TACAIDS), joined by AngloGold Ashanti Sustainability Vice President Mr. Simon Shayo and their colleagues during the launch of Kilimanjaro Challenge campaign in Dar es Salaam.
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AngloGold Ashanti Sustainability Vice President Mr. Simon Shayo speaking with media during the launch of Kilimanjaro Challenge campaign in Dar es Salaam. (L) Dr. Fatma Mrisho, Executive Director for Tanzania Commissions for AIDS (TACAIDS).
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Geita Gold Mine (GGM) in partnership with Tanzania Commission for Aids (TACAIDS) is set to officiate yet another year of Kilimanjaro Challenge on 2nd May 2014 at Hyatt Kilimanjaro Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This event will be officiated by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania Hon. Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete. The launch will also involve naming and disbursing of funds to local organizations, which will benefit from funds raised during the 2013 climb.
The Kilimanjaro Challenge is an annual activity which aims to raise awareness on the HIV and AIDS pandemic, provide financial support to HIV and AIDS initiative and build national team spirit in this noble fight. Kilimanjaro Challenge remains a multinational collaborative partnership involving local and foreign companies and individuals from across the globe for this very noble cause of saving lives from HIV/AIDS, and giving the people of Tanzania hope of an HIV and AIDS free future. The initiative aligns the challenge with existing government HIV/AIDS initiatives and programmes while giving local climbers an opportunity to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
According to the Executive Director of TACAIDS Dr. Fatma Mrisho, “Approximately 1.6 million people in Tanzania are living with HIV and AIDS. This pandemic is mostly affecting the youth of Tanzania and the disease has orphaned 1.3 million children. We need to change this therefore TACAIDs in collaboration with GGM and other various stakeholders through Kilimanjaro Challenge continues to provide financial support in order to fight against this pandemic”. She continued to say “We hope to build a national team spirit in the fight against this menace and I argue other stakeholders from local and international investors to come forward, join us and contribute to the Kilimanjaro Challenge fund so that we can meet our dream of having a zero free generation from HIV and AIDS.”
Speaking in regard to the event, the Managing director for GGM Mr. Michael Van Anen said “GGM is proud to be part of this initiative where various companies which are working locally, could join forces and participate in this noble course. Currently in its 13th year, the difference in life changing in the communities is enormously and we are looking forward for an HIV/AIDS zero Tanzania in the near future” He continued to say “I would like to argue anyone who would like to join us to visit www.geitakilichallenge.com and see how they can be part of this great initiative”.
AngloGold Ashanti Sustainability Vice President Mr. Simon Shayo said “Since Kilimanjaro Challenge initiative started 12 years ago, more than 600 people from different parts of the world have participated to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for this noble cause which have raised in access of US$500,000 per annum. The fund have benefited over 30 NGO countrywide inorder to fight against HIV and AIDS in Tanzania. Institutions which had no funds to operate get relieved with these funds from Kili Challenge; Children, who had lost their parents due to HIV and AIDS, are now finding care and love and can smile again. We would like to acknowledge some of our participating partners, including but not limited to CAPITAL DRILL, AKO, Wambi Oil, Mantrac, Prime Fuel, African Barrick Gold, Airtel, Southern Sun, ZARA, MACS, AUSDRILL and other valued supporters. It is because of you that this noble fight against HIV and AIDS continues hence ensuring the success and continuity of this annual event,” He concluded.
Geita Gold Mine and TACAIDS using the umbrella of Kilimanjaro Challenge in playing a pioneering role in the awareness on the HIV and AIDS pandemic and look forward for the day when Tanzania will be declared Zero HIV and AIDS infection. Accordin to currently national statistics Tanzania’s prevalence rate has gone down from over 13% in 2000 to 7.8% by 2007 and as low as 5.1% today.