By Arret Jatta
The Ministry of Health and its partners Thursday 25th April marked World Malaria Day with this year’s theme as “Health Equity, Gender and Human Rights”.
The National Malaria Control Program(NMCP) in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the ministry held a joint program to commemorate the day at the National Malaria Control Programme complex in Kanifing.
The Minister of Health was not present at the gathering but a statement was read on his behalf by the Deputy Director of Health Services Dr. Momodou T Nyassi.
Dr Nyassi stated that this year’s theme gives them the opportunity to raise awareness in the fight against malaria for those most affected by the disease.
“Such as pregnant women and young children – as well as highlighting the many different challenges communities are faced with, such as access to health services and the emerging threats posed by climate change.”
“It is also an opportunity to showcase the many solutions and the significant progress made towards malaria elimination”, he said.
Dr. Nyassi added that since the Abuja Declaration in 2000 on ending malaria, the government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Health has made significant achievements in closing the existing gaps in health inequities, gender and human rights related to malaria services.
The World Health Organization (WHO) county representative Dr Jane Maina also says, despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic, The Gambia, alongside several other countries across Africa, has shown unwavering commitment at the national level, leading to significant successes in the battle against malaria.
“However, let us not forget that the fight against malaria is far from over. The WHO African Region continues to bear the heaviest burden of malaria cases and deaths globally, with millions of lives at stake. In 2021 alone, the region accounted for over 95% of malaria cases and 96% of deaths. Therefore, it is imperative that we accelerate our progress if we are to achieve the ambitious targets set for 2025 and 2030”, she further states.
Amulai Touray the Country Manager of CRS said, CRS has been a key implementing partner of NMCP in the Global Fund projects, Access 5MC, and MMV KOICA grant in The Gambia.
“This partnership has been instrumental in achieving significant strides in Malaria control, prevention, and awareness, contributor to a notable reduction in nationwide malaria incidence and prevalence” he highlighted.
