Gambia awaits over US$17M grants from Global Fund to fight malaria, others

This was disclosed recently at a presser, which was attended by key stakeholders and held at The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations at TANGO's conference hall, Kanifing.

Earlier on, the CCM convened a forum to share views and points with stakeholders on strategies that CCM could put in place to fight and control malaria, TB and HIV and Aids.

At the presser, Ndey Sireng Bakurin, Executive Director of TANGO, said that part of their objective include contributing towards national poverty reduction and attainment of the country’s development agenda.

"We will continue to advocate for good health, peace, democracy and the respect for human rights in the Gambia, work with national and international partners to contribute their quota in the development process for inclusive and equitable Gambia."

She disclosed that TANGO alongside CCM with support from RAMENGO in Burkina Faso has conducted the country's CSO stakeholders’ consultation and dialogue for the Global Fund for the malaria grant which started from June 2023 with different stakeholders.

She outlined the important role media plays in sensitising and raising awareness towards the successful implementation of the project.

Mariama Gibba, Communications Officer at the Country Coordinating Mechanism, pointed out that the amount of money they are soliciting is targeting the whole country.

She, however, stated that previous grants for HIV, TB were to the tune of US$20million, and stated that was reduced due to their high performance being at the eliminating stage of malaria.

The three-year project, she added, has certain interventions that are limited to certain regions due to expensive test kits that are being used and also exorbitant malaria drugs and bed nets.

Muhammed S.  Bah, president  of The Gambia  Press  Union, (GPU) stressed that the involvement of media is important as media plays a key role in sensitising people and disseminating relevant  information  to  the  public.

"One cannot implement projects fully without involving the media. Malaria, HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis are diseases with lots of misconceptions and societal stigma attached. So, in clearing those misconceptions and stigma, the engagement of the media is vital in creating awareness and educating the society on how to help in combating and handling it."