The Bill Clinton Youth Association recently embarked on a massive cleansing exercise at the children’s ward of the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital RVTH in Banjul.

Speaking to the youth forum at the site, the president of Association, Mr. Kawsu Jaiteh gave a brief history of his association. According to him the association was established in 1999, ultimately aimed at improving environmental sanitation. The association, he revealed works with the malaria control programme, National Aids Secretariat, and National Environmental Agency to create awareness on environmental cleanliness.  Cleansing of this magnitude he revealed is carried out annually by the association at RVTH. “Last year (the event) was at accident and emergency unit but today we are here at the children’s ward”. Mr. Jaiteh commended the members for their large turn out and full participation in the exercise.

He also thanked GSM provider Africel for their support.

Mr. Andrew S.K Jatta, the hospital Environment Supervisor, spoke at length on the importance of a clean environment vis-a-vis health. He said that keeping the hospital and its environment clean would help reduce the breeding of mosquitoes as well as the spread of diseases.  He applauded the association for the initiative they have exhibited during the past several years.

Dr. Mariatou Jallow, Chief Medical Director RVTH expressed gratitude over the exercise and urged others youth groups to emulate efforts like this.

Alhagie Babou Jallow, Public Relations Officer of the association said that the importance of a living in a healthy environment can’t be over emphasized and assured that the association would continue to do their bit for this cause.