Tomorrow April 25, 2007 The Gambia will join all other Africans to celebrate African Malaria Day, the event to be celebrated at Mamudfana Village in Niamina East district in central river region, the theme for this year’s celebration is “Free Africa from Malaria Now” with the slogan “partnership and leadership for results”.

Speaking to journalists’ yesterday evening Malang Fofana, manager of the National Malaria Control Programme offices in Kanifing, said malaria is a concern to everyone and it causes a lot of burden on the economy, adding that the best way to fight against malaria is through genuine partnership with all stake holders. He said that communities need to be equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills and tools to minimize the risk of infection and optimally manage the illness.

Mr, Fofana applauded the government for the political commitment in the fight against malaria and fostering the environment for partnership. He finally stated that monitoring and evaluating are crucial components, which he said are responsible for how far they have come in the crusade against malaria, he said the Malaria Day celebrations are to be held in Mamudfana to encourage community participation.

Baba Balajo of the Catholic Relive Service (CRS) revealed that as part of their partnership with NMCP CRS is responsible for coordinating the distribution of insecticides and treated bed nets, adding that they have already distributed 137,907 bed nets in the western region during the first and last quarter of the bed net dipping exercise. He said 65% of pregnant women sleep under treated bed nets and only 55% of children sleep under insecticide treated bed nets.