Ministry of health, USAID team up for Ndondo Cup 2024

Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Health, PO-RALG and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Breakthrough ACTION have partnered with Ndondo Cup Organizing committee to introduce the Ndondo Cup 2024 tournament on 27th June 2024.

 Th collaboration brings the Ndondo Cup 2024 tournament, a grassroots soccer event, to seven regions across Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, Iringa, Mbeya, Ruvuma, Kagera, Mwanza, and Pwani.

The theme for 2024 Ndondo Cup is "Understand the Streets" which marks a new era for the popular tournament, leveraging its power and influence to promote and ensure availability of HIV and immunization services among young and middle-aged men.

The kick-off event was officially inaugurated by Dar es Salaam Mayor Omary Kumbilamoto. During the ceremony, Permanent Secretary of Sports, Culture and Art Hon. Gerson Msingwa took the stage to commend the partnership between Ndondo Cup and the Ministry of Health, expressing gratitude to USAID through Breakthrough ACTION for their initiative and highlighting the significance of this collaboration in promoting public health initiatives, while enjoying football.

The innovative initiative will be implemented at national and community levels, leveraging the power of sports to enhance uptake of HIV services and vaccination. It will focus on key aspects such as risk awareness, bolstering confidence in HIV testing, promoting positive behaviors, supporting community values, catalyzing action, and ensuring easy access to services, with the goal of fostering lasting behavior change.

"Statistics indicate that young men, in particular, lag behind in knowing their HIV status and utilizing appropriate services to combat this disease. Therefore, through sports, we see a significant opportunity to reach these target groups via the Ndondo Cup tournament, as they are avid followers of football both locally and globally," said Mark Lwakatare, Program Manager of the Breakthrough ACTION project.

He added, "Regarding vaccination services, data shows that specific groups such as individuals with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and the elderly are at risk of preventable diseases like COVID-19. Thus, through these competitions, we see an opportunity to encourage Tanzanians to access essential vaccination services for themselves and their families as per their specific needs."

Martha Mariki, a representative from the President's Office - PORALG, emphasized the government's goals in delivering health education to the community. "Sports play a significant role in reaching target audiences with education on HIV and vaccination services, bringing about behavior change to enhance uptake of these crucial health services. We are delighted to be part of the Ndondo Cup and to support our development partners' efforts in improving the health of Tanzanians."