Charity supporters to tackle Kilimanjaro to raise funds for new HIV awareness campaign

This January a team of 18 from across the UK will climb the world’s highest free-standing mountain with child development charity Compassion, in support of new HIV awareness and testing campaign in Tanzania.

The latest RESPOND Initiative from Compassion will specialise in HIV prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to empower communities, reduce HIV infections and enable those affected to live dignified and fulfilling lives.

RESPOND complements the work of Compassion’s Child Sponsorship and Child Survival programmes by taking action in emergency situations to meet the critical needs of children, protecting them in the long-term. This RESPOND Initiative in Tanzania is also supporting three key HIV and AIDS related Sustainable Development Goals: good health and well-being, gender equality and reduced inequalities.

In the northern base of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro has one of the highest numbers of people living with HIV, followed by neighbouring Arusha and Manyara. One of the main reasons for this is lack of education and awareness. In Tanzania, 68% of the country live in extreme poverty on less than 94p a day with 1.5 million people living with HIV and AIDS and 1.2 million children orphaned by the virus.

Elias Mwinuka, Compassion Health Specialist explains, “This project is really valuable to us because most of the beneficiaries in our projects are young people. It is crucial that we build an increasing awareness and education of HIV and AIDS across northern Tanzania. We hope the benefits of this project will last for generations to come.”

Compassion Tanzania will partner with the district health department and health professionals to deliver essential HIV support and access to appropriate care and treatment through 106 of the Compassion development projects across northern Tanzania.

The campaign seeks to strengthen the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS by increasing testing for early diagnosis and providing counselling, social support and affordable medical treatment for those affected. Project staff will also be equipped with knowledge and educational resources to improve understanding and awareness in communities, helping to reduce stigma.

Compassion’s work first began in Tanzania in 1999 and currently more than 75,234 children attend the development centres and projects based in the country. These work in partnership with the local church and the support of individual sponsors to provide the most vulnerable children with essential medical care, health checks and access to nutrition and education.

At 5,895m (19,341ft), Mount Kilimanjaro is the fourth highest of the world’s Seven Summits. During the six day expedition, the climbers will require unwavering determination, physical fitness and mental strength as they face gruelling conditions, challenging weather and acclimatising to the altitude.

Before the ascent, climbers will also visit Compassion projects in the area and meet children and young adults whose lives have been changed through sponsorship.

42-year-old Foluso Aloko, a Business Analyst from Watford shares her excitement for the trip: “I started my training back in April including trekking, running, cycling and endless cardio. I now can’t wait for about the expedition, I am most looking forward to visiting a Compassion project and reaching the summit.”