ATF MARATHON RECEIVES SH. 17 MILLION FROM GGML

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Wilson Charles (left), presents a medal to one of the top finishers of the ATF Marathon held in Morogoro Region over the weekend, as the Acting Executive Director of TACAIDS, Dr. Jerome Kamwela, looks on.

GGML's Public Relations and Communications Manager, Stephen Mhando (left), Njile Mabula Finance & Administration Officer at GGML Kilimanjaro Challenge Against HIV/AIDS Trust savouring the moment after finishing the ATF Marathon which was held in Morogoro Region over the weekend in preparation for this year's national commemoration of World AIDS Day which will be held in Morogoro Region on 1 December 2023.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Wilson Charles, handsover a prize to the top finishers of the 66km cycle race that was part of the ATF Marathon held in Morogoro Region over the weekend.

In further support of the government's efforts in the fight against the spread of HIV & AIDS. Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) has donated Sh17 million towards the success of the Morogoro Region's ATF Marathon in the lead up to the region's national commemoration of the World AIDS Day on 1st December.

Speaking on GGML's participation in the ATF Marathon held in Morogoro on Sunday 26 November 2023, GGML's Relations and Communications Manager, Stephen Mhando, said, “Geita Gold Mining Limited has sponsored 17m to the ATF marathon because, true to its value of sustainability; ensuring that the community surrounding its operations is better off for AGA having been there, these funds will directly touch the lives of people living with HIV.”

“Geita, having a large number of miners who live within the KVP (key and vulnerable populations), it’s almost impossible that we would shy away from such a responsibility.”

The Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Mr Wilson Charles, in his speech at the finish line of the race at Morogoro Secondary Grounds, Morogoro Municipality, commended the GGMLs and other stakeholders for their support to the race.

"I commend the efforts of our stakeholders including GGMLs and citizens for their participation in this Wilderness Race which is aimed at strengthening the AIDS Control Fund (ATF) and supporting the policy of 'Eradicating AIDS, Tanzania without AIDS is possible'," he said on behalf of the Minister of TAMISEMI, Mohamed Mchengerwa.

He said citizens should cooperate with the government in the fight against the new AIDS infection that is slowing down the country's development.

"... I want to congratulate you for coming out in large numbers to participate in this race because you seem to be moved and interested in cooperating with the government to ensure that the goals of eliminating the infection of the AIDS virus by 2030 are achieved," he added.

Neema Matheo, one of this year's ATF marathon runners, said exercise is important for the human body because if you don't exercise, your body becomes more susceptible to developing non-communicable diseases more quickly, including heart disease and diabetes.

The first winner of the 21km race received a prize of Sh300,000, the second winner Sh250,000 and the third winner Sh200,000.

In Tanzania, World AIDS Day will be commemorated nationally, this year in the Morogoro region, under the slogan "Society should lead the eradication of AIDS". Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa is expected to be the official guest of the commemoration.