For the first time in the history of The Gambia, a female living with the HIV/Aids virus has released a music album containing six AIDS awareness songs.

This latest development in the crusade against the world’s most popular pandemic came at a time when HIV/Aids continues to ravage the African continent. Fatou Ceesay is her name and her band is called the Allahtentu Support Band. Her husband, who is one of her backing vocalists, is a seasoned Mandinka kora musician. Fatou’s debut album, "Teriyaa" was launched at the Paradise Garden last Saturday by Dr. Tamsir Mbowe, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare.

In his launching speech, the SoS highlighted the need to support and care for people living with HIV/Aids. According to him, stigma and discrimination is a serious hindrance to voluntary counseling and testing. Dr. Mbowe thanked President Jammeh for his breakthrough in the cure for HIV/Aids. The “Teriyaa” album contains tracks on the use of ARVs, stigma and discrimination, the ABC of HIV/Aids, among other things.
This album which was recorded at the Xalam Studio was sponsored by GFPA, NAS and Action Aid. The launching ceremony at the Paradise Garden was witnessed by the Vice President Dr. Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy and in attendance were senior government officials, members of the UN system and also the HIV/AIDS infected people undergoing treatment with President Jammeh.