The Secretary of state for Health and Social welfare Dr Malick Njie last Thursday presided over the celebration of world Malaria day at the RVTH in Banjul.

The theme of this year  is (Giving Blood regularly)

Delivering his key note address at the gathering Dr Njie said the annual event is set aside to recognize and thank the gallant men and women who donate at their own freewill and help in saving the lives and improving the health of millions of people they may never meet.

He stated that the clinical demand for blood is rising throughout the world to support  advancements in medical and surgical procedures.( In the  Gambia there is a great  need for  blood in the  treatment of complications during pregnancy and childbirth and  severe childhood  anaemia.

( The blood requirements of the Country as Calculated from the population should be 28 thousand units per year but our current supply of  blood is about 12-14 thousand units yearly and this  satisfies only 50% of  the demand.)

Dr Njie also used the occasion to commend the efforts of the First lady  madam Zeinab  Yahya jammeh  the chief patroness of  ( operation Save A Baby) and a passionate supporter  of women and children.( She has set the pace for voluntary non  remunerated blood donors by being a blood herself and the speaker of the National assembly Hon Fatoumata  jahumpha  Ceesay for also spearheaded a blood  donation campaign.

For his part the World Health Organization representative to the

Gambia Dr

Nestor  Shivute said health authorities and partners should continue to be involved in recruitment and management of blood donors,  encouraging and requesting them to donate regularly.

Professor Patric Addy  head of  the National Health Laboratory Service RVTH  call on young people to donate blood to RVTH  noting that the blood they donate may safe their own lives.

Dr Ebrima Malick Samba  Chairman Hospital Management board RVTH pointed out that he will be supporting the government and people  in their drive towards  blood donation.

The occasion was chaired by Dr Mariatou Jallow chief Medical director RVTH