The
Medical Research Council (MRCG)-The Gambia recently held an open day forum at
the Serekunda General Hospital which was meant for an opportunity to engage and
sensitize the Serekunda community about the Neolnnate and EPIC HIPC Projects,
which are two new and important MRCG Projects, due to start in Serekunda soon.
The
theme for the open day was “Partnering to reduce Newborn infections,”
In
his statement, MRC Unit Director Prof. Umberto Dalessandro explained that
Neolnnate Study is how iron is regulated in the body of newborn.
He
said currently little is known about iron homoeostasis during the first week of
life and even less is known about the comparisons of nutritional immunity
between full term, preterm and low birth weight neonates.
Prof.
Umberto further stated that in an effort to study neonatal nutritional immunity
and its role in neonatal susceptibility to infection, MRCG would conduct an
observational study in 450 Gambian full term, preterm and low birth weight
vaginally-delivered neonates born at Serekunda General Hospital.
Lamin Marong, deputy director of Nursing
Service at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) expressed
heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to MRCG in their endeavor to reach out to
the people they serve.
“Nutrition
is very important in our daily lives as well as important for both new and
unborn babies. Nutrients are cofactors and activators for the developing immune
system,” he stated.
Mr
Marong explained that malnutrition is a major cause of immune deficiency
leading to greater frequency and severity of common infections.
He
said primary malnutrition is common among children of all socioeconomic strata
due to poverty, lack of education, food allergies, inappropriate or limited
diet, or eating disorders.
He
assured MRCG that the Ministry of Health through the regional health
directorate would engage health workers in the sensitisation of MRC health
activities to create more awareness.
On
behalf of the CEO of the Serekunda General Hospital, Alagie Manneh, thanked MRC
for coming out with these laudable projects, noting that their doors are always
open for partnership and assured of their support in implementing this
important project.
