Out of this amount, The Gambia will distribute 1.6 million to the general population across all region during a launch ceremony held at the border settlement of Keur Ayib.
The move is another demonstration of the two governments’ resolve to join hands in the fight against malaria and accelerate progress in reducing the high transmission, especially along the cross-border regions.
However, the launch of the 2025 synchronized mass distribution of ITNs, held on the slogan; - ‘Mosquitoes Know No Border; I Have My Insecticide Treated Net, I Tied It, I Sleep Under It’, is the third in a series of campaign which began in 2019.
At the event, Dr Ahmad Lamin Samateh, minister of Health and Social Welfare, described the initiative as a significant milestone for the two countries, adding that it also represents the Senegalo-Gambia fraternal relationships that extends to improve the health and wellbeing of its population through joint collaborative efforts such as this synchronized mass ITN distribution campaign and the health peace initiatives.
Minister Samateh reminded that the launching of this 2025 synchronized mass distribution of ITNs, the third in a series of campaigns since 2019, amplifies the commitment of both governments and the laudable achievements made on the malaria cross-border collaboration initiatives since its establishment by the two ministries of Health.
“History has taught us a lesson that the gains in malaria control are fragile, particularly when we divert our attention, the disease resurges, taking its greatest tool on the most vulnerable population. Similarly, the same history also shows us with strong political commitment, sustained investment, multi-sectoral action and community engagement, malaria can be defeated.”
The experience of synchronizing campaigns, he added, has shown that in addition to setting a common goal and political will for elimination of malaria across both countries and governments, effective collaboration across multi-sectoral and bilateral partners is important to optimize financial and technical resources.
The Health minister maintained that investing in malaria is about saving lives and reaping far-reaching benefits for our beloved countries, noting that sustaining malaria control efforts is an investment in development.
Continued investment in malaria control will propel malaria-endemic countries towards zero deaths by 2030 and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to improving child survival and maternal health.
For his part, Ibrahima Sy, minister of Health of Senegal, underscored the importance of this cross-border initiative in stemming the tide of malaria cases in the two countries.
He commended the two governments for conceptualizing such an important initiative and that it further goes to show the visionary and dynamic leadership of the two countries to the health and wellbeing of their citizens.
Dr Nathan Bakyaite Nsubugu, Country Representative of the World Health Organization, maintained that this joint campaign being launched is another manifestation of hope that not every child would feel safe and that no family would lose a loved-one due to a disease that could have been prevented.
The WHO country rep reminded that for far too long, malaria remains an invited guest in ‘our homes’, but that the joint initiative is remarkable and one that is to say ‘enough is enough’.
He lauded the initiative and thanked donor partners for their initiative, acknowledging that this joint campaign by the two countries also demonstrate the power of cross-border collaboration.
By synchronizing their efforts, he observed, they are reaching communities on both sides of the border including village that sometimes may feel within the trap, while at the same strengthening their collaboration, coordination, monitoring system with a focus that no one is left behind.
For his part, Dr Amulai Touray, country manager for the Catholic Relief Services, acknowledged that malaria continues to be one of the most significant public health challenges in the region, saying, nevertheless, it is a challenge “we are confronting head-on” together.
“First, let me acknowledged the extra-ordinary political will and visionary leadership demonstrated by the governments of Senegal and The Gambia, the Health ministers of both Senegal and The Gambia and their technical team and all partners particularly CRS, PATH and Plan International, have shown outstanding leadership, commitment and collaboration in planning and executing this cross-border effort.”
He acknowledged that their shared vision and tireless coordination have transformed a concept into a regional model for malaria prevention.
Salimatou Bokum, a representative of Plan International in Senegal and Dr Mustapha Ceesay of PATH International all expressed similar sentiments.
Both officials expressed their institution’s resolve to continue the fight against malaria and contribute to a malaria free Senegambia.
Lamin Saidykhan, governor of the North Bank Region, acknowledged that the campaign is a public health exercise and one that manifests cross-border solidarity, unity of purpose and a shared commitment to safeguarding the lives of the people of the two countries.
Governor Saidykhan recalled since its inception in 2019, this joint initiative has become a model of regional cooperation offering a beacon of hope in the fight against malaria along the two countries common borders.
Abdoulie Faye of The Gambia Red Cross Society, also expressed similar sentiments.
The event was punctuated with entertainment by cultural groups from both countries including Senegalese mega mbalax superstar- Pape Joof.
