AMMREN commemorates World Malaria Day

As part of activities marking World Malaria Day, the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN)-Gambia Chapter Tuesday 10th May 2010 held a day long sensitisation forum on malaria prevention, control, among others, at the NaNA conference hall in Kanifing.

The forum brought together members of the AMMREN Gambia chapter, who were given a detailed presentation on malaria prevention and control by experts from the Ministry of Health, National Malaria Control Programme, World Health Organisation Gambia office and the Medical Research Council.

The theme for this year's commemoration was "Working Together to Count Malaria Out".

Deputizing for the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Alhagie Omar Taal, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare commended AMMREN for the steps taken in sensitising people on malaria prevention and control.

He also lauded AMMREN's mission of promoting timely communication of malaria research findings and outcomes in Africa, through strengthened collaboration between malaria researchers and journalists.

He added that African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), which is a network of African journalists and scientists working together to reduce the burden of malaria was formed in November 2006.

Deputy PS underscored the role of journalists in the fight against malaria, noting that they promote discussions of malaria menace in national and international forums.

He stated that governments rely on effective journalism to sensitise the public on health issues, policies and programme and look forward to the partnership between government and the press.

For his part, Dr. Thomas Sukwa, WHO representative to The Gambia described the forum as timely. He noted that the global coalition against malaria, which is being spearheaded by the World Health Organisation strives not only to strengthen, but expand global partnership for malaria prevention and control.

Mr. Pa modou Faal, the National Coordinator of African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN)-Gambia-chapter said the day marks yet another very important day in the history of AMMREN-Gambia Chapter.

Mr. Madi Ceesay, Proprietor/Publisher of the Daily Newspaper chaired the forum.