GOVERNMENT PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR GEITA GOLD MINING KILI CHALLENGE CAMPAIGN

The Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister, Policy, Coordination and Parliament, Jenista Mhagama (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to Abel Musa. The 14- years old primary school student in Mbugani - Geita attempted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro but because of malaria, he failed to make it to Uhuru peak, the summit of the highest moutain in Africa.

The Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (Policy, Parliament and Coordination), Jenista Mhagama, has confirmed the government's commitment to supporting the GGML KiliChallenge campaign to raise funds for the fight against HIV and AIDS. This commitment is in line with the government's efforts to eliminate new infections of the disease by 2030.

Mhagama has also instructed the ministry's deputy permanent secretary to ensure that the two 14-year-old pupils who successfully completed the seven-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the campaign, which was launched 22 years ago, are included in the list of participants for the upcoming Heroes' Day celebrations on 25 July this year.

Launched in 2002 by Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) in partnership with the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), the GGML KiliChallenge campaign also aims to support the government in achieving the national targets of zero new infections, zero discrimination and stigma, and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Moshi District to celebrate the achievements of the 35 participants who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and the 26 cyclists who circumnavigated the mountain over the past seven days, Mhagama praised GGML for successfully coordinating the campaign for over two decades.

She remarked, "GGML's willingness to endure seven days of hardship for the betterment of Tanzanians is an act of bravery and heroism that will be celebrated in our national history. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations for setting such a remarkable example."

Mhagama urged other Tanzanian and international organisations to emulate GGML's sincere dedication and commitment to serving the community.

She also commended the participants, especially the two students who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro between 14 and 20 July this year. Their achievements are testament to the fact that a united effort against HIV and AIDS can yield positive results and is a significant step towards ending the epidemic in the country.

Rebecca Damiani (14), a student at Kivukoni Primary School, and Abel Musa (14), a student at Mbugani Primary School, demonstrated immense civic spirit by joining forces with fellow Tanzanians in the fight against new HIV infections. Mhagama emphasised that these young people deserve to be recognised as heroes within the nation.

Meanwhile, Terry Strong, Chief Executive Officer of GGML, thanked the government for its invaluable support in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He also pledged GGML's continued commitment to supporting the children in their journey to realise their dreams.

Jerome Kamwela, Acting Director of TACAIDS, congratulated the climbers and praised them for their incredible contribution as ambassadors in the fight against new HIV infections in the country.