The top brass of the Africa Media Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) led by Pa Modou Faal on Monday called on Alhagie Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, former President of The Gambia, who is also AMMREN’s national patron at his residence in Fajara.

The visit which was part of activities marking the 2008 World Malaria Day, celebration by AMMREN Gambia chapter, was also meant to brief the national patron about activities undertaken by AMMREN The Gambia chapter
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Speaking at the occasion, Pa Modou Faal, AMMREN’s country co-ordinator told the national patron Sir Dawda that, his chapter was the first to be launched among the nine African chapters, which formed the parent body. According to him, the launching of the Gambian chapter was a milestone development in the annals of AMMREN secretariat in Ghana.

‘’ We have also commemorated the 2008 World Malaria Day. The commemoration brought together journalists from both print and electronic media, researchers, scientists as well as key stakeholders in the field of malaria research,’’ he said.

He further informed Sir Dawda that his chapter in collaboration with the Medical Research Council (MRC), will in the month of May, 2008, embark on a three-day research field trip to Keneba, Farafenni and Basse. The trip, according to him, is part of his chapter’s plan of activities, which is gear towards acquainting his members on malaria issues and to disseminate the information gathered from the field trip to the general public.

Reacting to comments of AMMREN country co-ordinator, Alhagie Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara expressed delight to be associated with the network, noting that his unshakeable commitment towards the fight against malaria will continue for ever. Sir Dawda in his own words said " Your role as health journalists, is very important. Do as much as you can to inform people on malaria issues especially children, disabled and women who are more vulnerable to the malaria pandemic’’ he said.

Sir Dawda called on the research journalists to redouble their efforts and join other media networks around the world in the fight to combat malaria. Sir Dawda assured t AMMREN top brass his fullest support at all time.