Banjul 25 April, 2016 - Meanwhile, both the health minister and the WHO Representative (WR) delivered statements on the Gambia Radio and Tele-vision Services (GRTS) on the eve of the Day. The WR for his part delivered the RD’s statement. The information products (RD’s statement and highlights on global achievements in malaria control) developed in observance of the Day were also shared at the press briefing and with GRTS, excerpts of which were broadcast in the local news and specific programmes 

The Day itself was officially launched on April 25th in Farafenni town in the North Bank Region. Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Omar Sey, described World Malaria Day as an opportunity to raise aware-ness and understanding about the global malaria situation as well as mobilizing action in support of global malaria control efforts. “The Gambia is taking this opportunity to share its successes and challenges in malaria control with emphasis on the strategies and interventions put in place to control the disease”, he remarked. Minister Sey noted that the government through the support of partners has implemented cost-effective interventions to control and prevent malaria but stressed that malaria elimination requires collective and concerted efforts and additional resources to reduce the burden of the disease. He assured the audience that The Gambia would continue to consolidate gains made in Malaria control and prevention.

Dr. Sharmila Lareef-Jah, Disease Prevention and Control Officer, who also represented the WCO at the occasion, read out RD’s statement on behalf of the World Health OrganizationCountry Representative and other UN agencies in the country. She reiterated RD’s message that “Malaria free Africa is possible but it needs collaborative efforts from all partners”, and appealed for support from all partners/stakeholders towards this direction.

She also cited the Africa Malaria Strategy (2016-2030) developed by WHO in collaboration with partners as an opportunity to provide a regional platform to coordinate action towards a malaria-free Africa which is possible through “strong coordination and implementation of clear strategies and actions; deployment of effective financing mechanisms; and developing processes for tracking progress”. Therefore, “much more needs to be done to achieve our vision of ending malaria in our region,” she remarked.

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For more information, please contact:

Mr. Momodou Gassama, Health Promotion Officer,  gassamam [at] who.int (gassamam[at]who[dot]int)—(+220)- 4462286

Mr. George. Williams, Health Information Assistant,    williamsg [at] who.int (williamsg[at]who[dot]int)—(+220) 4462284