ChildFund ends community sensitization on tuberculosis prevention

ChildFund ChildFund-The Gambia on Saturday ended a weeklong community open field day sensitization in West Coast Region.

The activity, conducted to boost the fight against tuberculosis, was held at Farato village under Kaira Suu Federation in (Kombo North) affiliated to ChildFund.

The activity was sponsored under the Global Fund to fight against TB, Malaria and HIV/AIDS through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The aim of the activity was geared towards reducing the morbidity and mortality of TB in The Gambia and to cut the burden on people living with HIV/AIDS.

Prizes were awarded to winning beneficiaries of materials which include radios, buckets, mosquito nets, basins, laundry pans, soap, torch lights and a lot more to the community.

Jarrai Touray Daffeh, ChildFund Programme Coordinator for Health, revealed that ChildFund operates mainly in the West Coast Region of the country.

According to Mrs Daffeh, the sensitization has been very effective as many people are aware of the signs and symptoms and are reporting at the clinics for testing. Currently, ChildFund has three of its clinics at Tujereng, Kassagne and Kampasa that are providing TB services.

Kebba Conteh, Programme Officer Health, stated that they have been conducting similar activities for the past five years in the WCR with support from the Global Fund.

He said ChildFund works in partnership with the Leprosy and TB inspectors in the region who also assist in identifying the villages for the sensitization activities.

Speaking to one of the participants, Molifa Marong, one of the winners, said that Child Fund sensitization programme on TB is very educative and effective for them.

He urged the participants to disseminate the information to those who were not present to create more awareness.

Another beneficiary, Ousman Gibba, also made similar sentiments and advised the community to rush to the nearest hospital whenever they suspect severe coughing for investigations and prompt treatment.