US GOVERNMENT & MINISTRY OF HEALTH UNITE TO PROMOTE HEALTH THROUGH NDONDO CUP 2024

Enthusiastic football fans from diverse corners of Dar es Salaam closely followed the launch Ndondo Cup 2024. The United States Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the President’s Office - Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG) in Tanzania, have partnered with the Ndondo Cup 2024 tournament to advance HIV and immunization services, an implementation which will be carried through the SITETEREKI youth platform, FURAHA YANGU men's Campaign, and CHANJO ni MAISHA Campaign, targeting eight regions in Tanzania, specifically Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, Mbeya, Iringa, Ruvuma, Pwani and Kagera.

Evangelina Chihoma, who is a Strategic Information Specialist from PEPFAR addresses football fans in Dar es Salaam during the launch of Ndondo Cup 2024. 

Dar es Salaam, June 30th, 2024 - The Ministry of Health (MOH) has joined forces with the President's Office - Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), the United States Government (USG) - USAID and PEPFAR, through the Breakthrough ACTION project, the Ndondo Cup organizing committee, and sponsors CRDB and ASAS, to revolutionize healthcare in Tanzania through the power of football. The initiatives will be rolled out through the SITETEREKI youth platform, FURAHA YANGU men's campaign, and CHANJO ni MAISHA campaign, targeting eight regions in Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, Mbeya, Iringa, Ruvuma, Pwani and Kagera.

The tournament kicked off on June 30th, 2024, with an electrifying inaugural match between Manzese Warriors and Makuburi FC at the Kinesi Grounds in Sinza ward. Attendees had access to comprehensive health services, including HIV testing and treatment services, as well as vaccination services. Impressed by this innovative initiative, the Guest of Honor praised the organizing committee and sponsors for its forward-thinking approach, combining entertainment with health services.

"We are committed to pioneering innovative approaches that deliver tangible health outcomes," said Evangelina Chihoma from the PEPFAR Office. "We believe that sports can be a potent force for promoting behavior change and improving access to services, and we are thrilled to partner with the Ndondo Cup and Government of Tanzania to bring this initiative to life.”

This innovative initiative will be implemented at national and community levels, leveraging sports to enhance uptake of HIV services and vaccination. By integrating health services into entertainment, this initiative aims to normalize uptake of health services among young boys and men by leveraging the popularity of football.