 |
| The Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Hon. Jerry William Silaa, speaks in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, during the official launch of the GGM Kili Challenge 2025 campaign, which involves climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds in support of the fight against HIV/AIDS. The campaign is held under the main sponsorship of Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML). |
 |
| Senior Manager for Sustainability at Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), Mr. Gilbert Mworia, speaks in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, during the official launch of the GGM Kili Challenge 2025 campaign. |
Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) has officially launched the Kili Challenge 2025, a major fundraising initiative aimed at supporting the national response to HIV/AIDS, the campaign, organized in partnership with the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), seeks to mobilize domestic resources to fund HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care efforts across the country.
Speaking during the launch event in Dar es Salaam, during the weekend, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Hon. Jerry William Silaa, applauded GGML and TACAIDS for their continued collaboration, noting that since its inception in 2002, the Kili Challenge has been a vital platform for raising funds to support HIV/AIDS services.
“This campaign is not just about fundraising. It is about uniting efforts to reduce HIV-related stigma, enhance access to treatment, and support vulnerable communities,” said Minister Silaa.
He further emphasized the government’s commitment under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to eliminate HIV/AIDS in Tanzania by 2030, citing significant progress made under the Sixth Phase Government.
According to statistics the Minister said, the number of new HIV infections in Tanzania has dropped from 72,000 annually (2016–2017) to 60,000 annually (2022–2023), demonstrating the impact of the country's interventions, however, he noted that as of December 2024, an estimated 1.7 million Tanzanians are living with HIV, with over 1.5 million already accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
The Kili Challenge 2025 invites individuals from all sectors to participate in a fundraising event that will involve climbing and cycling around Mount Kilimanjaro, the farewell ceremony for participants will take place on July 18, 2025, followed by a welcome ceremony on July 24, 2025, in Kilimanjaro Region.
Over the past two decades, the Kili Challenge has raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS initiatives, particularly benefiting people living with HIV, orphans, and marginalized communities, this year’s proceeds will fund HIV prevention programs, treatment services, and economic empowerment initiatives for high-risk groups.
Speaking on behalf of GGML Managing Director Duran Archery, the company's Senior Manager for Sustainability, Gilbert Mworia, reiterated GGML's commitment as the event’s main sponsor.
“As a key partner in this effort, GGML is proud to support this campaign and demonstrate the critical role of the private sector in the fight against HIV/AIDS," Mworia said.
Reflecting on last year’s success, Mworia noted that 42 climbers and 18 cyclists participated in the 2024 Kili Challenge, raising over USD 850,000 through donations from organizations, institutions, and individuals.
“These funds have been instrumental in supporting community projects that empower people living with HIV, provide education and food for vulnerable children, and fund national and local initiatives offering essential services to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
“It is up to us to do our part so that our contributions continue to touch so many precious lives, let us cycle and climb together for the cause, for the country and for change. Tuko Pamoja we are making a difference, Don’t Give Up”, he added.
Acting Executive Director of TACAIDS, Dr. Catherine Joachim, stressed the importance of continued collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society to achieve the global 95-95-95 targets—ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Dr. Catherine highlighted progress made under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration, including the strengthening of HIV prevention and treatment services, which have contributed to a significant reduction in AIDS-related deaths—from over 39,000 in 2017 to approximately 25,000 in 2024.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Catherine acknowledged challenges remain, particularly among vulnerable groups such as small-scale miners, fishing communities, populations living along major transport routes, and young women involved in sex work. She emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address the unique vulnerabilities of these groups.
The launch of the Kili Challenge 2025 marks a key moment in the continued effort to reduce Tanzania’s reliance on external donor funding for HIV and AIDS programs, ensuring that the country can fund and implement its health initiatives through domestic resources.
The event also highlighted the importance of transparency in the allocation of funds. Participants were reminded that all proceeds from the challenge would be managed through the Kili Trust Fund, ensuring that the funds are used efficiently and effectively to benefit those most in need.
The Kili Challenge 2025 is set to continue its tradition of bringing together individuals and organizations across Tanzania to participate in a shared effort to combat HIV and AIDS, raising both awareness and funds to improve lives across the nation.
Speaking during the launch event in Dar es Salaam, during the weekend, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Hon. Jerry William Silaa, applauded GGML and TACAIDS for their continued collaboration, noting that since its inception in 2002, the Kili Challenge has been a vital platform for raising funds to support HIV/AIDS services.
“This campaign is not just about fundraising. It is about uniting efforts to reduce HIV-related stigma, enhance access to treatment, and support vulnerable communities,” said Minister Silaa.
He further emphasized the government’s commitment under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to eliminate HIV/AIDS in Tanzania by 2030, citing significant progress made under the Sixth Phase Government.
According to statistics the Minister said, the number of new HIV infections in Tanzania has dropped from 72,000 annually (2016–2017) to 60,000 annually (2022–2023), demonstrating the impact of the country's interventions, however, he noted that as of December 2024, an estimated 1.7 million Tanzanians are living with HIV, with over 1.5 million already accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
The Kili Challenge 2025 invites individuals from all sectors to participate in a fundraising event that will involve climbing and cycling around Mount Kilimanjaro, the farewell ceremony for participants will take place on July 18, 2025, followed by a welcome ceremony on July 24, 2025, in Kilimanjaro Region.
Over the past two decades, the Kili Challenge has raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS initiatives, particularly benefiting people living with HIV, orphans, and marginalized communities, this year’s proceeds will fund HIV prevention programs, treatment services, and economic empowerment initiatives for high-risk groups.
Speaking on behalf of GGML Managing Director Duran Archery, the company's Senior Manager for Sustainability, Gilbert Mworia, reiterated GGML's commitment as the event’s main sponsor.
“As a key partner in this effort, GGML is proud to support this campaign and demonstrate the critical role of the private sector in the fight against HIV/AIDS," Mworia said.
Reflecting on last year’s success, Mworia noted that 42 climbers and 18 cyclists participated in the 2024 Kili Challenge, raising over USD 850,000 through donations from organizations, institutions, and individuals.
“These funds have been instrumental in supporting community projects that empower people living with HIV, provide education and food for vulnerable children, and fund national and local initiatives offering essential services to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
“It is up to us to do our part so that our contributions continue to touch so many precious lives, let us cycle and climb together for the cause, for the country and for change. Tuko Pamoja we are making a difference, Don’t Give Up”, he added.
Acting Executive Director of TACAIDS, Dr. Catherine Joachim, stressed the importance of continued collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society to achieve the global 95-95-95 targets—ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Dr. Catherine highlighted progress made under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration, including the strengthening of HIV prevention and treatment services, which have contributed to a significant reduction in AIDS-related deaths—from over 39,000 in 2017 to approximately 25,000 in 2024.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Catherine acknowledged challenges remain, particularly among vulnerable groups such as small-scale miners, fishing communities, populations living along major transport routes, and young women involved in sex work. She emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address the unique vulnerabilities of these groups.
The launch of the Kili Challenge 2025 marks a key moment in the continued effort to reduce Tanzania’s reliance on external donor funding for HIV and AIDS programs, ensuring that the country can fund and implement its health initiatives through domestic resources.
The event also highlighted the importance of transparency in the allocation of funds. Participants were reminded that all proceeds from the challenge would be managed through the Kili Trust Fund, ensuring that the funds are used efficiently and effectively to benefit those most in need.
The Kili Challenge 2025 is set to continue its tradition of bringing together individuals and organizations across Tanzania to participate in a shared effort to combat HIV and AIDS, raising both awareness and funds to improve lives across the nation.
No comments:
Post a Comment