Her
Excellency, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, first lady of The Gambia, on Friday called
for concerted efforts from all and sundry in the fight against the deadly
disease, meningitis.
The
first lady made this remark as she presided over the launching of the Catch-up
Meningitis A vaccine and immunisation campaign, which was held at the
Governor’s Residence in Brikama, West Coast Region.
The
Meningitis A campaign seeks to increase the levels of national immunity among
people under twenty-nine years of age, who are the most vulnerable groups of
society. The nationwide campaign will last for a period of seven days.
First
Lady Barrow in her statement lamented the devastating consequences of
meningitis on communities, families, and individuals, while hailing the
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for including Meningitis A vaccination in
the list of thirteen vaccines that children benefit from.
“With
such a positive step, I am confident that the government will continue to
provide necessary political will and support, in ensuring that we stand firmly
by our partners for further progress and development in the area of health,”
she added.
The
first lady urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the campaign to
ensure that all children aged from one to seven years are vaccinated against
the disease.
The
minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isatou Touray called on parents and
caregivers to grab the opportunity the government has provided and get their
children vaccinated.
Other
speakers included the UNICEF country representative, who stressed the
importance of the campaign while calling for the participation of all and
sundry.
The
first lady administered the first vaccination and declared the campaign
launched. Source: State House