By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Regional Health Directorate (RHD) of Farafenni and the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) recently organised a daylong sensitization forum for North Bank Regional Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
At the forum, it was reported that the country has registered significant gains in malaria prevention and disclosed that the country is on track as the Global Fund and Ministry of Health rated the Gambia as being at the elimination stage of malaria. The synergy was held in Kerewan North Bank Region.
Speaking at the forum, Dembo Samateh, the Deputy Governor of NBR underscored the government’s commitment to partner with development agencies in the protection of the population against malaria.
He, therefore, hailed the efforts undertaken by Regional Health Directorate in Farafenni for the giant steps in accelerating the fight against malaria and other Non-Communicable Diseases.
Deputy Governor Samateh called on members of the Technical Advisory Committee to be proactive in the dissemination of information and promote hygiene and sanitation.
Abdoulie Jarju, the Regional Health Director for FarafenniHealth Region disclosed the efforts taken by the health region on the reduction of malaria incidence through strengthening community capacity on prevention, management, and timely reporting of malaria cases to Health facilities.
He disclosed that malaria incidence across North Bank Region is low and described the gains as success in the consolidation of country efforts on the elimination of malaria.
Ousman F Bojang, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the NMCP described the important roles of TAC as crucial in promoting networking and partnership in bringing about social behaviour changes on malaria.
He noted that the 2019 joint mass bed net campaign with the Senegalese counterpart contributed to improving the health of the population.
He asserted that support from Global Fund and the government demonstrated their commitment to the elimination of malaria.
Ansumana Kinteh Regional Police Commissioner for NBR assured of security and fullest collaboration to support the cleansing exercise while using the moment to launch materials support to enhance effective response during cleansing.
