The University of The Gambia (UTG) Theatre-in-Education (TIE) Literature programme on Thursday, 25th April facilitated an impressive intertextual World Malaria Day (WMD) programme to promote this year’s theme “Accelerating the Fight against Malaria for a More Equitable World.”
This interactive lecture/performance programme was held at Ndow’s Comprehensive Basic Secondary School (NCBSS), participants in the project included teachers and students from NCBSS, the St. John’s School for the Deaf, and the UTG’s TIE Troupe.
Dr. John Maxwell, a surgeon at the Kanifing Hospital, was the guest speaker at this memorable celebration, while Ma’am Grace Chapman, Lecturer and Director of the UTG TIE Literature programme served as coordinator.
The organizer used the day to disseminate information about malaria and discussed the causes of malaria, how to prevent it and other activities to make the Gambia a zero malaria country.
Also, different presentations were skillfully incorporated into the art, songs, and drama presentations by the students in the performance part of the programme.
In their presentations, the basic science of the mosquito vector was covered – including its reproductive cycle and anatomy, the symptoms of Malaria disease, and the deadly impact of the malaria parasite on humans, especially children. An informative focus on countries where malaria is prevalent and national strategies to stop mosquitoes from breeding and spreading disease rounded out this important educational programme.