The initiative first kicked-off in 2002 involving 47 climbers and managed to raise TZS 62 Million. It is this humble beginning and modest success that encouraged Geita Gold Mine to make the climb an annual event for a national cause. Since then an average of 40 to 50 climbers joined the challenge’s expedition annually. To date, more than 500 individuals across the globe have participated in the climb and raised more than 2Billion shillings which have benefited over 30 NGO countrywide to a fight against HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.
The Kilimanjaro challenge aims to raise awareness on the HIV/AIDS pandemic, provide financial support to HIV/AIDS initiative and build national team spirit in this noble fight. The initiative aligns the challenge with existing government HIV/AIDS initiatives and programmes while giving local climbers opportunity to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. In the past 11 years many people have participated in the climb. The youngest being 11-year old boy and oldest at 84 years our own retired President, H.E. Mzee Ali Hassan Mwinyi. The determination shown by Mzee Mwinyi was epic. According to the Prime Minister, Hon. Mizengo K. Pinda he equated this to ‘Mbiu ya Mgambo’ (a calling drum to war).
According to Mr. Omari Issa, GGM Director said “Institutions which had no funds to operate get relieved with this charity; Children, who had lost their parents with HIV disease, are now finding care and love and can smile again. Years have come and gone but GGM Kili Challenge objectives to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Tanzania will never change. We would like to acknowledge some of our participating partners, including but not limited to, TACAIDS, CAPITAL DRILL, AKO, Wambi Oil, Mantrac, Prime Fuel, African Barrick Gold, Airtel, Southern Sun, ZARA, MACS, AUSDRILL and other valued supporters. It is because of you that this noble fight against HIV/AIDS continues hence ensuring the success and continuity of this annual event by Geita Gold Mine.”
It is reported that Tanzania’s prevalence rate has gone down from over 13% in 2000 to 7.8% by 2007 and as low as 5.1% today. As part of national efforts to increase awareness on HIV/AIDS, His Excellency President Jakaya Kikwete launched the national voluntary HIV/AIDS testing campaign. Geita Gold Mine using the umbrella of Kilimanjaro Challenge counts this as a success as the initiative has also played a role in pioneering this awareness on the pandemic and look forward for the day when Tanzania will be declared Zero HIV infection.
For more information visit: www.anglogoldashanti.com
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