As part of celebrations marking the World Malaria Day, commemorated annually on 25th April each year, African Media and Malaria Network (AMMREN) Gambia Chapter on Monday organised a one-day sensitization for health journalists from both the print and electronic media on malaria.

The day conference was held at the CIAM Hall in Kanifing.

Speaking at the venue, Pa Modou Faal, AMMREN Gambia chapter national coordinator, revealed that the day was part of activities marking the World Malaria Day with theme counting out malaria.

According to the AMMREN national coordinator, his network is concerned with the burden of malaria in all spheres, adding that journalists have a pivotal role to play in combating malaria as it is a global problem.

Mr. Faal also informed participants that AMMREN has a news letter called Eye Malaria.

For her part, the deputy programme manager NMCP, Madam Adam Jagne – Sonko, noted with pleasure that NMCP feels honoured to be associated with AMMREN in the roll back malaria process and commemoration of World Malaria Day 2009.

Madam Jange-Sonko noted that WMD is celebrated to reflect the global efforts to provide effective control of malaria around the world. It also provides the opportunity to increase advocacy, resources and social mobilization for malaria.

She further revealed that The Gambia over the years has intensified action against Malaria scaling up key intervention by government with support from local and international partners.

She also informed journalists that access to effective treatment has also improved through an increase in the number of health facilities and doctors and a change in the anti-malaria treatment policy.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Bekai Camara, director health services, said AMMREN is a network of African journalists and scientists working together to eradicate malaria in Africa, saying that the network. focuses on disseminating information on malaria control initiatives, monitoring and advocating for the implementation of malaria policies in Africa. The network also advocates and engages with policy markers to implement international agreements on malaria control initiatives in Africa.

Dr. Camara commended the network for the good work it is doing in complimenting African governments’ efforts in the fight against malaria.

Dr. Camara, however, reminded journalists that as agents of change they have a critical role to play in the fight against malaria while assuring those involved in AMMREN that they will achieve their objectives.

Also speaking, Hon. Adam Cham, chairperson of the National Assembly select committee on health and NAM for Kombo North also dilated on the effect of malaria on national development adding that counting out malaria means counting out poverty.

The one-day seminar was also punctuated with presentations by different informed persons.