As part of activities to mark the week this year, MRC Gambia Unit earlier on organised two caravan events; the first organised on April 24th, was from Brikama to Faji Kunda, Sukuta, Westfield and Fajara.
Similar event being the second is also slated for April 30th from Basse to Bansang, Soma and Keneba.
This year, the week coincides with 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). The dual celebration highlights the remarkable progress made in global immunisation efforts and the role of vaccination in safeguarding public health.
The MRC-Gambia working hand-in-hand with the Government and the people of The Gambia has contributed, more than any other country, to the development of the EPI vaccine programme across sub-Saharan Africa.
It would be recalled that the first trials of key vaccines to prevent meningitis and pneumonia in Africa according to stakeholders were conducted here as well as the first trials of the malaria vaccine which is now recommended by the World Health Organization.
These trials and other studies have led to the introductions of vaccines across the continent. Today, the unit continues this work looking at new polio and malaria vaccines and better ways to administer vaccines, so every child receives the vaccines they need.
At the event, Professor Ed Clarke, Lead for Vaccines, and Immunity at MRCG, disclosed that MRC Unit The Gambia extends gratitude to the people of The Gambia for their significant contribution to all that work, which continues to save lives across Africa.
He acknowledged that communities in Gambia have been highly supportive of their work, especially participating in vaccine trials and promoting community engagement efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy.
“MRC Unit The Gambia will continue to work closely with the Government and people of The Gambia to save lives and improve health within our sub-region and across the world,” he stated.
For her part, Fatoumatta Dibba, deputy director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said commemorating the World Immunisation Week is a reminder of the importance of immunisation.
“This year marks 50 years since the Expanded Programme on Immunisation came into existence.” she said.
Dibba further outlined some of the achievements registered through the Immunisation programme.
The event wrapped-up with an entertainment featuring performance by renowned Gambian rapper- Jizzle.
