U.S. GOVT. LEADS BOLD "COUNTERATTACK" AGAINST HIV AT NDONDO CUP 2024

Moses Bateganya, a USAID representative (second left) awards Kassim Hussein who was named the player of the match during the opening of Ndondo Cup tournament in Dodoma between Kikuyu FC and Nkuhungu Terminal FC. The United States Government, through the Breakthrough ACTION project and in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the President’s Office - Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), celebrated the kick-off event of the Ndondo Cup 2024 football tournament in Dodoma, where thousands of youth accessed vital HIV and immunization services through ‘SITETEREKI’ youth campaign and ‘Kuwa Bingwa,’ focusing on immunization promotion. Right is Anthony Mavunde who is the Minister of Minerals and Member of Parliament for Dodoma Constituency and left is Evangelina Chihoma from PEPFAR.

The U.S. Government, through USAID and PEPFAR, initiated a strategic "counterattack" against HIV during the Ndondo Cup in Dodoma, which began on September 8, 2024. This grassroots soccer tournament serves as a robust platform for health intervention, especially targeting underserved young men and boys. Building on the success of previous Ndondo Cup events across Tanzania, where tens of thousands accessed HIV testing and vaccination services, this year's approach integrates essential public health services into a community celebration to ensure that vital HIV prevention and treatment resources reach those in need.

Central to this initiative is the ‘SITETEREKI’ youth campaign, aimed at engaging individuals aged 15-24 by empowering them with key HIV information and facilitating access to essential services. Moses Bateganya of USAID emphasized the campaign’s innovative spirit, stating, “We believe that sports can be a powerful force for promoting behavior change and improving access to services." As part of broader efforts through the Breakthrough ACTION project, the Ndondo Cup exemplifies effective community-centered strategies in Tanzania's fight against HIV, showcasing how sports can be leveraged for health intervention and youth empowerment.