THIS year’s Kilimanjaro Challenge against HIV and AIDS aims at raising $1million (2.5bn/-) to support the HIV response in Tanzania.

Dr. Michael Battle, the United States Ambassador to Tanzania made the remarks on Friday night in Dar es Salaam at a fundraising event.

He said the raised funds will play a pivotal role in working towards a sustainable national HIV response and ensuring a healthier future for all Tanzanians.

The Challenge, which is being organized by the Geita Gold Mining Limited and the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), further targets at cutting down new infections on an annual basis.

According to Battle, since its inception in 2003, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has invested significantly in Tanzania, supporting numerous initiatives to control the epidemic and contributing over $7 billion.

He said by maintaining the gains made through PEPFAR, Tanzania will prevent the resurgence of HIV/AIDS as a rampant public health threat.

“Strategic planning for HIV funding is crucial to ensure the continuation of successful HIV/AIDS interventions. The role of the private sector, such as the contributions from Geita Gold Mining Limited, is indispensable in this effort,” said Battle.

He asserted that the private sector's support for the AIDS Trust Fund is a critical component of Tanzania’s efforts to leverage resources to maintain the momentum of the national HIV response.

Jumanne Isango, TACAIDS Director of Advocacy said the Commission is experiencing a strong political will and favorable enabling environment to cherish this initiative as it looks forward towards ending AIDS by 2030.

He said the government and the private sector have the responsibility to make this initiative to continue becoming the leading public private sector charity against HIV & AIDS in East Africa.

He said to date, through Kili Challenge have managed to donate to more than 22 local NGO’s and several government institutions whereby millions of Tanzanians have benefited from the initiative.

“Awareness to stop stigmatization continues to be echoed in the communities through these donations,” said Isango.

According to the Tanzania HIV Impact Survey (THIS) 2022/2023, Tanzania has 1,548,000 people living with HIV infections.

Among adults aged 15+, annual new HIV infections have declined by 16.7 percent, from 72,000 (THIS 2016/17) to 60,000 (THIS 2022/23). HIV incidence has doubled among young girls aged 15-24 years and HIV incidence declined among women aged 15+ years and among men of all ages.

HIV prevalence among adults (15+) is 4.5 percent, higher among women (5.6 percent) than among men (3.0 percent).

Duan Archery, Managing Director of Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), expressed delight that several corporates attended the fundraiser in Dar es Salaam. "Your contributions are invaluable and will help us achieve our goal of 'getting to zero'," he revealed.

The three zero targets mean no new infections, no discrimination, and no HIV/AIDS- related deaths.