USAID & MINISTRY OF HEALTH JOIN FORCES TO KICK OFF NDONDO CUP 2024

Sports stakeholders from various parts of Dar es Salaam follow proceedings of the announcement of Ndondo Cup 2024. In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ministry of Health, PO-RALG and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Breakthrough ACTION have partnered with Ndondo Cup Organizing committee to introduce the Ndondo Cup 2024, an innovative initiative will be implemented at national and community levels, leveraging the power of sports to enhance uptake of HIV services and vaccination.

Dar es Salaam Mayor Hon. Omary Kumbilamoto addresses participants during the announcement of Ndondo Cup 2024 in Dar es Salaam. In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ministry of Health, PO-RALG and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Breakthrough ACTION have partnered with Ndondo Cup Organizing committee to introduce the Ndondo Cup 2024, an innovative initiative will be implemented at national and community levels, leveraging the power of sports to enhance uptake of HIV services and vaccination.

Breakthrough ACTION Program, Manager Mark Lwakatare speaks in Dar es Salaam during the launch of Ndondo Cup 2024. 

• A GAME-CHANGER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH IN TANZANIA

Dar es Salaam, June 27, 2024: The Ndondo Cup 2024 tournament kicked off with a bang, marking a new era in the fight against HIV and immunization services in Tanzania. The innovative partnership between the Ministry of Health, the President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Breakthrough ACTION has sponsored and brought the grassroots soccer event to seven regions across the country.

This year's theme, " Understand the Streets", aims to leverage the power of sports to promote public health initiatives among young and middle-aged men, who are often reluctant to know their HIV status and utilize appropriate services. The tournament will focus on key aspects such as risk awareness, confidence building in HIV testing, promoting positive behaviors, supporting community values, and ensuring easy access to services.

"We believe that sports can be a game-changer in reaching our target groups with critical health information and services," said Mark Lwakatare, Program Manager of Breakthrough ACTION. "Through Ndondo Cup, we can reach young men who are avid followers of football and encourage them to take charge of their health."

The government is committed to delivering health education to the community, and sports play a significant role in achieving this goal. "We are delighted to be part of the Ndondo Cup and support our development partners' efforts in improving the health of Tanzanians," said Martha Mariki, a representative from the President's Office – PORALG.

The Ndondo Cup 2024 tournament will not only entertain football enthusiasts but also provide an opportunity for Tanzanians to learn about the importance of HIV testing and vaccination services. The government and its partners hope that this initiative will lead to lasting behavior change and improved health outcomes for the people of Tanzania.

With the kick-off event officially inaugurated by Dar es Salaam Mayor Hon. Omary Kumbilamoto, the stage is set for an exciting tournament that will have a lasting impact on public health in Tanzania.