Continued collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society is needed to achieve the global 95-95-95 HIV targets—ensuring that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

This was said by the Acting Executive Director of the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dr. Catherine Joachim during the launch of Kili Challenge 2025. Dr. Joachim highlighted the progress made under the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, including the strengthening of HIV prevention and treatment services, which has led to a significant reduction in AIDS-related deaths—from over 39,000 in 2017 to approximately 25,000 in 2024.

Despite these achievements, she noted that 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 stressed the importance of targeted interventions to address the unique needs of these communities.

The launch of the challenge marks a significant milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to reduce dependence on external donor funding for HIV and AIDS programs, promoting greater use of domestic resources to support health initiatives.

The event also underscored the importance of transparency in fund allocation. Participants were reminded that all proceeds from the challenge would be managed through the Kili Trust Fund, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources to benefit those most in need.

Kili Challenge is a major fundraising initiative in partnership with TACAIDS, aimed at mobilizing domestic resources for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care efforts across the country.

Speaking at the launch event in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Jerry William Silaa applauded the miner and TACAIDS for their continued collaboration. 

He noted 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 President Samia’s leadership, to eliminate HIV/AIDS in Tanzania by 2030, citing significant progress made under the Sixth Phase Government.

According to the Minister, new HIV infections have dropped from 72,000 annually (2016–2017) to 60,000 annually (2022–2023), demonstrating the impact of the country’s interventions. 

As of December 2024, an estimated 1.7 million Tanzanians are living with HIV, with more than 1.5 million already accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART).

He called for individuals from all sectors to participate in a fundraising event involving climbing and cycling around Mount Kilimanjaro. A farewell ceremony for participants will be held 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, 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 Archer, the company’s Senior Manager for Sustainability, Gilbert Mworia, reaffirmed the miner’s commitment as the main sponsor of the event.

Mworia noted that 42 climbers and 18 cyclists participated in the 2024 Kili Challenge, raising over $850,000 through donations from organizations, institutions, and individuals.