APRI conducts another testing programme

Following a successful diabetes and hypertension-testing programme at Duwasu in Kombo East District of Western Region on June 19th 2010, the Association for Peace Building and Rural Improvement (APRI) under the stewardship of Madam Tuti Faal has conducted another diabetes and hypertension outreach programme, at Banyaka village in Kombo South District of Western Region.

The testing programme was held on Sunday at Banyaka village Bantaba by experts and frontline health workers from the Greater Banjul Area.

Speaking at the ceremony, Madam Tuti Faal commended the villagers of Banyaka for their participation, adding that her association is a people-centered non-profit-making organisation ready to give their support to the government in empowering individuals and communities towards attaining maximum potential, through the provision of quality health care, education and social amenities that are sustainable and culturally-acceptable in our societies.

According to Madam Faal, her organisation disburses loans to people without profit, noting that it was formed, based on peace and stability prevailing in the country.

"Any village we went to do our outreach programme we always advised them to be peace-loving neighbours," she said, adding that without peace and stability in The Gambia, her association will not conduct diabetes and hypertension programmes at both Duwasu and Banyaka villages.

She told the villagers of Banyaka that her association got the blessings of President Yahya Jammeh. As she put it, her association was formed to contribute to the development of the country. 

Sainey Camara, the younger brother to the Alkalo of Banayaka commended Madam Tuti Faal and her delegation, and promised that the villagers of Banyaka are fully behind Madam Faal in her good initiative.

He expressed his profound gratitude to Madam Tuti Faal for choosing Banyaka to conduct her second diabetes and hypertension programme, which he said, was a big boost to the villagers.

Speaking to this reporter shortly after the exercise, Fatou Batchilly, APRI's Public Relations Officer said 104 people were tested and that a good number of them have positive results.

Other speakers included Haddy Saho, APRI's Assistant Secretary, Saikou Jarjue, APRI's Treasurer, Mayorr Drammeh and Ebrima Marenah, all from Banyaka village.