Kili campaign boosts HIV self-reliance
KILIMANJARO: TANZANIA is strengthening efforts to finance HIV and AIDS interventions through locally driven initiatives as uncertainty grows over continued donor support, the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) has said.
TACAIDS representative, Nyangusi Laizer said at a reception for climbers and cyclists who participated in this year’s GGM Kili Climb Challenge, that the annual campaign has become an important platform for mobilising domestic resources to sustain the country’s HIV response.
“There is no guarantee that development partners will continue supporting the fight against HIV and AIDS indefinitely. Campaigns such as the Kili Climb Challenge are therefore vital in strengthening the country’s capacity to sustain HIV and AIDS programmes,” he said at a reception at Mweka Gate in Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA).
Mr Laizer said proceeds from the campaign benefited more than 20 non-governmental organisations between 2023 and 2025, enabling them to expand access to HIV treatment, strengthen prevention of mother-to-child transmission and intensify community education on HIV and AIDS.
AngloGold Ashanti VicePresident Simon Shayo said the campaign has also contributed to reducing stigma against people living with HIV through sustained public education and awareness.
He said, besides raising funds for HIV and AIDS interventions, the initiative has encouraged communities to embrace and support people living with HIV, helping change attitudes towards the disease.
“Recent studies have shown that stigma against people living with HIV has declined significantly, allowing many to live freely within their communities. The perception that HIV infection is a death sentence because of social rejection is gradually disappearing,” Mr Shayo said.
He said this year’s campaign aims to raise 2.5bn/-, of which 1.5bn/- has already been collected, expressing confidence that the fundraising target will be achieved.
Mr Shayo appealed to companies and other well-wishers to support the initiative, saying investing in the fight against HIV and AIDS also protects the country’s productive workforce.
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“A healthy workforce is the foundation of every successful organisation. By investing in the fight against HIV and AIDS, we are also strengthening the country’s economy through increased productivity,” he said.
The 2026 Kili Climb Challenge captain, Timothy Jombo, said 43 climbers participated in this year’s event, with 42 successfully reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, including a 13-year-old girl.
Representing Ahsante Tours, one of the campaign’s cycling partners, Daniel James, said all 12 cyclists completed the 430-kilometre ride around Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the annual awareness and fundraising campaign.
The annual GGM Kili Climb Challenge Against HIV and AIDS brings together climbers, cyclists, companies and development partners to raise funds and awareness in support of Tanzania’s efforts to prevent new HIV infections, improve access to treatment and reduce stigma against people living with the virus.
