Two business executives and a female lawyer from a Swiss-based Laguna recently visited The Gambia for the second time (July and August 2007) to explore possibilities of establishing a treatment centre for malaria.

According to reports reaching the Daily Observer, Laguna has a team of highly -trained and experienced doctors and a wealth of knowledge, with over 25 years of experience in research. The group also has a pool of research information and treatment for such killer- diseases, such as malaria and cancer.

The Laguna delegation was led by Josef Rothiachnen, Manager of the group's finances, who coordinates their activities. Other members of the delegation included David Dom, Secretary-General, and Lawyer Candidda Rosa Crux Arteaga. Dembo Trawally is the local representative, assisted by Yusupha Trawally and the Public Relations Officer is David Jones, former National Assembly Member for Banjul South.

Lawyer Candidda Rosa Crux Arteaga revealed that The Gambia government stands to benefit from the project, if it becomes a reality. Ms Arteaga said, although malaria is their main target, they can also treat cancer. "If our project proposal is accepted by the government, it will no doubt be of great benefit," Arteaga said. "Malaria is no doubt a killer-disease and Laguna has taken the bold step to join the fight against the disease. This is in line with President Jammeh's promise to provide quality health services for all Gambians," she noted.

For his part, Josef Rothaichnen said their research shows that Laguna can treat patients infected with malaria without relapses. "Our treatment fights the parasite left in the human body," Josef said, pointing out that this is the first time this information was revealed. He then continued: "All expenses will be taken cared of by Laguna. All we need is to be opportune to establish our programme in The Gambia."

He added that in the course of their operations, curative poison will be extracted from local spiders for use in their treatment process, saying that The Gambia will be on top in this patent medicine. For his part, David Dom, said that Laguna's treatment process is organic. "Our treatment is chemical-free and environmentally-friendly," David further said. Mr. Dom said a team of highly-trained doctors, led by Dr Dirk Weichmann will seek for government's approval for the establishment of the centre. He said the team will seek for audience with Dr Tamsir Mbowe, Secretary of State for Health and social Welfare and other government officials in the health sector.

Dembo Trawally, a native of Bajakunda in the Upper River Region, who convinced the group to explore the possibilities of establishing a treatment centre in the country lauded the President's HIV/AIDS, asthma and diabetics treatment programmes. He then appealed to Gambians to support their project as it will save the lives of newly-born babies, thereby complementing government's efforts in the health services.