The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Wednesday launched a new Seasonal Malaria Chemo-prevention (SMC) control strategy in Wassu, Central River Region north.
Health Minister Dr Omar Sey launched the strategy which was collectively funded by the Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF, WHO and MRC and coordinated by the National Malaria Control Programme.
Dr Sey said the development of the new strategy is a demonstration of the Gambia government’s renewed effort to make progress towards preventing and controlling malaria in the country.
The SMC project was initiated following a recommendation by the World Food Organisation that seasonal malarial prevention is an effective intervention to prevent malaria.
It has prevented approximately 24 million children, age 3-59 months who live in the area subject for a seasonal surge in malaria incidence, mainly in the Sahel sub-region.
The Health Minister said reducing the impact of malaria is a key target of the MDG goals especially MDG 4, 5 and 6.
He also added that malarial reduction is a key priority of the Gambian leader’s Vision 2020.