Red Ribbon and Abstainence Pledge was conducted among secondary school girls in Dar es Salaam in November 2001. A total of 7,500 young girls from St. Mary's, Makongo, Kinondoni Muslim, Kisutu, Jitegemee, Benjamin Mkapa, Forodhani and Aitwing High School made the pledge before the Tanzania First Lady Mama Anna Mkapa.

They pledged, " We will not get involved in sexual intercourse until we are married "

During the ceremony held at the Leaders Club grounds, the first lady encouraged them by saying " The medicine of HIV is to obey the sixth commandment of God. Don't commit adultery."

A survey made by TAYOA shows that many who made the pledge are still keeping their promises of not engaging themselves into sexual intercourse until marriage.

On that event also the First Lady launched the first toll-free helpline number donated by Mobitel Tanzania, which eventually turned into success of the National AIDS helpline which was launched in January 2004.

Back to Our Programs