THE government has lauded mining firms, for their significant contributions to the National Development Vision 2025–2050, notably through campaigns like the Kili Challenge, which actively combats HIV and AIDS across the nation.

Speaking on behalf of Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu at the official launch of this year's Kili Challenge campaign, Engineer Jackson Masaka highlighted mining firms like particularly Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML as a vital development stakeholder across various sectors, including health. He noted that for 23 years, GGML, in partnership with the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) and other organizations, has consistently raised funds to support the fight against HIV/AIDS, moving Tanzania closer to its goal of becoming an HIV-free nation.

"The National Development Vision 2025–2050 places a high priority on social welfare," stated Engineer Masaka. "Through campaigns like the Kili Challenge, GGML directly contributes to the government's efforts to control and prevent the spread of HIV in the country."

He further emphasized that the campaign aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan's vision for achieving "Three Zeros" by 2030: zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero stigma and discrimination. This initiative, he added, is crucial for increasing the life expectancy of Tanzanians from the current 68 years to 75 years, ensuring citizens enjoy better health and actively participate in nation-building.

GGML's Enduring Partnership and Community Impact Simon Shayo, Vice President of AngloGold Ashanti (GGML's parent company) for Sustainability and Corporate Affairs in Africa, reiterated GGML's commitment as a key development partner. As GGML celebrates its 25th anniversary in Tanzania this year, Shayo emphasized that the company is more than just a mining operation; it's deeply invested in community initiatives.

"We extend our gratitude to the Government of Tanzania for the enduring partnership over the years," said Mr. Shayo. "We have, and will continue to, support community development in vital sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure."

Among its diverse initiatives, GGML supports the Moyo wa Huruma orphanage center in the Geita Region, which has successfully nurtured professionals in various fields, including medicine and engineering. In addition to the Kili Challenge, GGML and TACAIDS have established education and service centers in high-traffic areas like Michungwani (Tanga) and Manyoni (Singida), providing crucial counseling, awareness, and preventive services related to HIV.

A Model Public-Private Partnership Mr. Yassin Abbas, Acting Executive Director of TACAIDS, expressed immense pride in the commission's ongoing collaboration with GGML in the fight against HIV and AIDS. He described the Kili Challenge as an exemplary model of an effective public-private partnership.

"This collaboration among the government, GGML, and other stakeholders, including sponsors, is paramount in this fight," Mr. Abbas asserted. "When we join forces like this, we significantly accelerate our efforts to end HIV transmission, eliminate stigma, and reduce AIDS-related deaths."

This year's Kili Challenge involves 47 mountain climbers and 17 cyclists who have embarked on an approximately seven-day journey to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak at 5,895 meters above sea level. Upon reaching the summit, participants will not only hoist the national flag but also raise the GGML flag, symbolizing the company's 25 years of operation in Tanzania.