The Gambia Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners has been born recently at a ceremony held at NANA Conference Hall in Kanifing.

The National Traditional Medicine Control Programme of the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare, through Funding from the World health Organization Country Office, last Thursday reviewed the constitution of the association and also conducted an election for the members of the association at the Nana Conference Hall.

Speaking at the meeting, which brought together traditional practitioners from across the country, Mr. Babucarr Sillah program manager at the Traditional Medicine Unit, said the formation of the association is timely noting that this will enable healers to work as a family and also engage themselves in research as far as traditional medicine is concerned.

He stated that the coming of GATMET will greatly help his Unit to closely collaborate with DOSH.

At the end of the meeting the following people were elected into the executive

president – Alhagie Amadou Njie, vice-president –Salifu Puye, secretary general Ebrima Jawneh, assistant Talib Barry, treasurer Alieu Ceesay, assistant Sheikh Jeng, auditor Baba Leigh, assistant Amadou Barrow PRO Habib Fofana, assistant Alhagie Sallah, Adviser Bubacarr Sillah, assistant Basiru Bojang, organizer Yankuba Tunkara and assistant Muniru Darboe

Speaking shortly after the election the president elect Alhagie Amadou Njie thanked these colleagues for electing him in such a position noting that he will live up to expectations. He urged the executive to work closely with government and the WHO to lift the association to higher heights

Mr. Njie called on members to be more committed to the welfare of the association.