GEITA GOLD MINING LIMITED FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mkapa - Zero HIV and AIDS in Tanzania is Possible!

Dar es Salaam: FORMER President Benjamin Mkapa has called the government to be creativity and put comprehensive measures that will ensure funds set aside for the fight against HIV/AIDS are used purposely hence shunning away from donor dependence. The move will allow more stakeholders within the country to spearhead the Tanzania Commission for AIDSs (TACAIDS) efforts in its fight against the disease. A proper system and mechanism should be applied that wont bring doubts on the resources contributed in the basket fund, he stressed. Mkapa made the call in Dar es Salaam over the weekend when launching the Kilimanjaro Challenge 2015 aimed at raising awareness on the HIV and AIDS pandemic, provision of financial support to HIV and AIDS initiative and build national team spirit in this noble fight. The launch was partnered by the Tanzania Commission for AIDSs (TACAIDS) and Geita Gold Mine (GGM) where 33.4m/- was collected at the event. Mkapa said the money collected for the campaigns should directly go to the aimed beneficiaries. He said that such funds should enable the country to strengthen local capacity for controlling HIV and AIDS. According to the former President, harambees organized for the fight against the disease are of significant move to shun away from donor dependence. Mkapa noted that the government needs to be extra creative if it is entitled to win the fight. He said one of it is by partnering with private sectors closely and find appropriate ways fighting HIV and AIDS. Unity is power but divided we fail..we have to work hard to see that projects associated with the fight against the disease are implemented accordingly. TACAIDS should also work hard in looking ways of strengthening partnership with different stakeholders in the fight, he said. He further applauded GGM for their tiredness and tremendous efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country. For his part, GGM Managing Director, Terry Mulpeter said that GGM with its participating supporters across the country and abroad are more enthusiastic than ever as they look forward for the day when Tanzania will be declared Zero HIV infection. With support we have been receiving from the government every year, and sponsors, GGM cannot waver from its commitment to make Kili Challenge a lasting feature in our Tanzania operations, he said.

GEITA GOLD MINING LIMITED According to Mulpeter, the Kilimanjaro Challenge has helped institutions which had no funds to operate, gets relieved with donation from this fund, Children who have lost their parents through HIV disease, are now finding care and love and their smiles are coming back. Mr. Mulpeter said over 500 individuals across the globe have participated, with more than TZS 850M being raised annually to support the course, saying it is a joint effort that leads to the new Tanzania with no HIV and AIDS. Every year, more companies and individuals are joining the initiative and vigorously they have been coming to support this event, he said. TACAIDS Executive Chairperson, Dr. Fatma Mrisho, the Kilimanjaro Challenge against HIV and AIDS has been playing a key role to raise awareness on the HIV and AIDS pandemic, saying the annual event gives the people hope of an HIV and AIDS free future. The money raised from the event has been used to provide support to orphans and widows without income, she observed. Geita Regional Commissioner, Ms. Fatma Mwasa, said the Kili Challenge fund has facilitated to refurbish the structures at Geita Hospital where HIV patients receive services, adding that the initiative supports the Moyo wa Huruma orphanage center in Geita. The centre serves over 100 children from various areas, and who have lost both parents are benefiting directly with the fund, she said. For more information visit www.geitakilichallenge.com Media Distribution by Abel & Fernandes