The Secretary of state for Health and Social welfare Dr Malick Njie last Thursday presided over the celebration of world Malaria day at the RVTH in
The theme of this year is (Giving Blood regularly)
Delivering his key note address at the gathering Dr Njie said the annual event is set aside to recognize and thank the gallant men and women who donate at their own freewill and help in saving the lives and improving the health of millions of people they may never meet.
He stated that the clinical demand for blood is rising throughout the world to support advancements in medical and surgical procedures.( In the Gambia there is a great need for blood in the treatment of complications during pregnancy and childbirth and severe childhood anaemia.
( The blood requirements of the Country as Calculated from the population should be 28 thousand units per year but our current supply of blood is about 12-14 thousand units yearly and this satisfies only 50% of the demand.)
Dr Njie also used the occasion to commend the efforts of the First lady madam Zeinab Yahya jammeh the chief patroness of ( operation Save A Baby) and a passionate supporter of women and children.( She has set the pace for voluntary non remunerated blood donors by being a blood herself and the speaker of the National assembly Hon Fatoumata jahumpha Ceesay for also spearheaded a blood donation campaign.
For his part the World Health Organization representative to the
Professor Patric Addy head of the National Health Laboratory Service RVTH call on young people to donate blood to RVTH noting that the blood they donate may safe their own lives.
Dr Ebrima Malick Samba Chairman Hospital Management board RVTH pointed out that he will be supporting the government and people in their drive towards blood donation.
The occasion was chaired by Dr Mariatou Jallow chief Medical director RVTH