Gruelling conditions and challenging weather are just some of the problems a Radlett woman will face when she climbs Kilimanjaro for charity.
Today, Ayoola Bandele will join a team of 18 to climb the world’s highest, free-standing mountain in support of HIV awareness and testing in Tanzania.
Child development charity Compassion has partnered with RESPOND to specialise in HIV prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. They hope to reduce HIV infections and help improve the lives of those who already have it.
The 36-year-old service analyst said: “I took on this challenge to make a difference to children living in poverty.
“I have heard all kinds of amazing stories about climbing Kilimanjaro and I have never done anything like this before.
“The training has been tough. I have been preparing my body for the climb as much as possible, including hours on the cross trainer, jogging and hiking and now I can’t wait for the trek.”
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, said: “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.”
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