Five test HIV positive in campaign to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The Tanzania Commission for Aids (TACAIDS) executive director, Dr Jerome Kamwela, speaks at the Mweka Gate, located in the Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region. PHOTO|JANETH JOSEPH
What you need to know:
- A total of 1,208 people living near Mount Kilimanjaro Conservation Area appeared for HIV testing, with five of them testing positive, during the campaign to climb the Kilimanjaro to raise funds for anti-HVI efforts
Moshi. Five out of over 1200 people who appeared for HIV testing around the Mount Kilimanjaro Conservation Area in Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region, have tested positive.
The Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) acting executive director, Dr Jerome Kamwela, made the announcement recently when receiving 71 participants, including 52 Mount Kilimanjaro climbers and 19 cyclists.
The participants embarked on climbing the tallest mountain in Africa through the ‘Geita Gold Mine Limited-GGML Kili Challenge' campaign aimed at raising $1 million (about Sh2.6 billion) for supporting the HIV/AIDS combating campaign in the country.
Speaking during the event, Dr Kamwela said from July 18 to July 25, 2024, a total of 1,208 people living near Mount Kilimanjaro Conservation Area appeared for HIV testing, with five of them testing positive.
"The victims have been attached to services provided to the community,” he said.
Furthermore, he said statistics show a significant reduction in HIV infections in the country, from 72,000 in 2016/17 to 60,000 in 2023.
"So the infection rate is decreasing. This is significant progress,” said Dr Kamwela.
According to him, young people aged 15 to 24 lead groups with high infection rates at one-third of noted infections.
On behalf of the GGML Managing Director, James Nzuamkende said the company aims to raise over $1 million to support the government’s HIV/AIDS combating campaign.
He said GGML collaborates with Tacaids in raising funds annually to support the government's efforts to achieve zero new infections, zero stigma, and zero AIDS-related deaths.
"I call upon individuals, organisations, and institutions, as well as good citizens, to emulate GGML and make contributions, especially at this time when international funding and aid have been strongly decreasing,” he said on behalf of the GGML.
One of the cyclists from Ahsante Tours who participated in the event, Mr Daniel James, expressed gratitude to the organisers and emphasised that it is everyone’s responsibility to help the government in the fight against new HIV infections.
"We cycled 430 kilometres in seven days around Mount Kilimanjaro, and it went well. We thank GGML and other sponsors,” he noted.
He added that climbing the mountain and cycling around the Mount Kilimanjaro Conservation Area for seven days is not an easy task, but the goal is to ensure that we combat new HIV infections.
Having five out of 1,200 people who tested positive gives significant hope to the community," concluded James.
