The launch coincided with activities marking World Malaria Day held Brufut Primary School. It was attended by Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Lamin Samateh, senior government officials, school children and a cross section of the community.
However, the initiative funded by the CIDCA and implemented in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is a significant contribution to The Gambia’s government efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030.
Malaria remains a major public health issue in The Gambia, impacting thousands of lives each year. Despite significant gains in recent year, the disease continues to pose a serious threat, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women and imposes a significant burden on the country’s economy. This new project seeks to address these challenges through comprehensive approach that includes community education and prevention through social behavioral change communication (SBCC), community case management, vector control measures, distribution and utilization of dual active ingredient nets (DAIN) as well as seasonal malaria chemo preventive campaigns.
Fabakary Kalleh, president of The Gambia Red Cross Society, said he is confident that this project will bring meaningful impact to our communities. Malaria is both preventive and curable and by working closely with Rollback Malaria partners including local communities, they will eliminate malaria and contribute to the overall health outcomes in The Gambia.
However, the two-year project, which received funding of nearly 2 million US Dollars from CIDCA is expected to reach 420,000 people. it will be implemented in communities in four regions namely; Kanifing Municipality, West Coast, Central River and Upper River Regions.
“I am confident that by building on previous experience and capitalizing on its community roots and volunteer network, The Gambia Red Cross Society will bring renewed energy to the fight against malaria and will accelerate progress made” says Alexandre Claudon de Vernisy, IFRC head of delegation covering Cape Verde, The Gambia, Mauritania and Senegal.
This partnership with CIDCA exemplifies our commitment to addressing health disparities globally and promoting community wellbeing.
The project is part of a partnership between the IFRC and CIDCA which aims to strengthen humanitarian and development efforts worldwide by promoting joint initiatives focused on common priorities such as climate action, disaster management and health.
“I am happy to see the launch of this project which marks a good step forward in our common efforts with IFRC and the government of The Gambia to achieve malaria elimination”, says H.E Liu Jin, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.
She spoke of Chinese government’s resolve to addressing major health issues and promoting sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against malaria.
However, the event also witnessed presentation of wheelbarrow, rakes and brooms to various institutions to ensure environmental sanitation.
Press release
