• Uhuru Torch Climax
  In 2007 and 2008, the T-MARC Company contributed to the Uhuru Torch Relay in Tanzania, reaching over 36,000 people in Tanzania’s populous Morogoro Region with HIV/AIDS prevention messages. T-MARC Company directed its messages to sexually active adults, stressing the importance of being faithful to one’s partner as the best option, and condom use for preventing HIV transmission.
  
  The Uhuru Torch symbolizes freedom and light. The freedom torch runs through each district of the country, both mainland and Zanzibar, every year and is organized by the Ministry of Labour and Youth Development. 
  
  T-MARC Company successfully negotiated with the Ministry to include generic HIV messages during the Uhuru Torch campaigns. These messages were integrated into key speeches and reinforced through promotional materials, including T-shirts and polo shirts, which were worn by executives, members of parliament, and the former Minister for Community Development, Gender, and Children Affairs.
  
  T-MARC Company used popular comedians and outreach/peer educators to attract large crowds and deliver HIV/AIDS prevention messages for faithfulness (during the day) and condom use (at selected locations during the late evening sessions). T-MARC Company communication activities that took place during Uhuru Torch races are part of the United States’ President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) HIV/AIDS preventions initiative.
  
  The three month Uhuru Torch races reached its climax on the October 14, 2008 in the Songea township, the regional capital for Ruvuma region in southern Tanzania. At the culminating event, Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete, presented a certificate to the T-MARC Company in addition to several other organizations for their participation and support for the races. T-MARC Company was singled out as having played a distinguished and unique role in conducting HIV/AIDS prevention education activities.
  
  Data/Results
  
  • During the 2008 Uhuru Torch Climax in Songea, T-MARC Company reached 176,000 people with messages of faithfulness and condom use during various community activations and small road shows that were conducted during the period of one week.