THE Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) has urged mining companies in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, to introduce male circumcision and preventive treatment programmes to curb new HIV infections.

Dr Catherine Joachim, TACAIDS Acting Executive Director, made the call over the weekend while addressing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS during a visit to Barrick Bulyanhulu Gold Mine.

She noted that despite the availability of HIV drugs, new infections remain high, particularly in mining communities.

“About 1.7 million Tanzanians are living with HIV. In 2022/23 alone, 60,000 new infections were recorded, with mining communities among the most affected,” said Dr Joachim.

Hassan Mtenga, the committee’s vice chairperson, commended Barrick for prioritizing the health of its employees and the surrounding community in Kahama and Msalala districts, Shinyanga Region.

“We are satisfied with how Barrick is implementing health programs, especially in combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other diseases linked to mining activities. We also appreciate that a large percentage of Barrick's employees in Tanzania are locals,” said Mtenga.

He recommended that Barrick contribute to the National HIV/AIDS Fund, a proposal the mine’s management said it would consider in collaboration with regional and district authorities.

Dr Steven Kiruswa, Deputy Minister of Minerals, praised Barrick’s partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals Corporation, noting that the mine operates professionally, transparently, and in line with international standards, making it a model investment in the mining sector.

Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Anamringi Macha also commended Barrick for working closely with the government and successfully implementing major development projects in education, health, water, and infrastructure.

Victor Lule, the mine’s general manager, said the mine has been running HIV/AIDS and malaria control programs and has upgraded its dispensary to provide modern services. The mine also improved Bugarama Health Centre and launched the "Zero Malaria" campaign, which includes spraying insecticides and distributing treated mosquito nets in surrounding villages.