The National Malaria Control programme, in collaboration with CRS, HEPDO, Action Aid The Gambia, NSGA and other partners yesterday commenced a nationwide, mass bednet dipping campaign.
Speaking in an interview with The Point yesterday, Omar Ceesay, acting director of health promotion development organisation, said that for this years campaign they plan to dip 35,000 conventional nets within the Western Region, noting that this year less nets will be dipped. This is due to the fact that many people now have the insecticide treated nets.
Juma Jallow, regional public health nurse Western Region and also district supervisor for Serekunda West and Central, stated that the exercise is geared towards the prevention and control of malaria in the country, noting that the use of ITN's has significantly contributed towards the reduction of malaria.
Mr Jallow also used the opportunity to thank the Government of The Gambia and partners for funding the just concluded Indoor Residual Spraying in Foni which he described as successful.
He pointed out that prior to the bednet dipping campaign all the Alkalo's and opinion leaders were well sensitised about the campaign by the Regional Health Team across the country and the use of the Mass Media greatly helped them .
Rohey Jagne, a dipper in Serekunda West, described the exercise as successful, adding that people are positively responding to the campaign.
Kumba Saho, a resident of Dippa-Kunda, said the campaign has come at the right time because around this time of the year is the peak period of malaria and the dipping will save families from malaria especially pregnant women and children.
The campaign is expected to end on August 29th.
