Jagne-Sonko disclosed that The Gambia recorded between 1,000 and 2,000 deaths from Malaria annually, while over one million deaths occur annually, vast majority of which (90%) are in Africa.
Jagne-Sonko was speaking at a press conference held at the National Malaria Control Programme office on World Malaria Day on Tuesday, which is to be celebrated in Farafenni on Saturday, under the theme: “Counting Malaria Out”.
According to her, malaria is the leading cause of school and work absenteeism and significantly affects social and economic development.
She noted that the day was an opportunity for countries around the world, most especially Africa, to learn from each other’s experience and support each others efforts; presents a chance for all stakeholders to make a difference and help generate broad gains in multiple areas of health and human development.
Jagne-Sonko also noted that significant strides have been registered in the control and prevention of malaria in the country through the change of treatment policy and the provision of Coartem in all public health facilities.
"Gambia malaria policy has outlined key intervention areas ranging from malaria case management, malaria in pregnancy, partnership and social mobilisation and surveillance and research, monitoring and evaluation," she said.
She pointed that the importance of monitoring and evaluation at all levels to ensure proper implementation of programmes, identify problems, trends or constraints, evaluate the impact of interventions, and ensure accountability.
According to her, there is a mass reduction in malaria incidence in The Gambia, increased access to effective anti-malarial drugs and an increased community mobilisation and participation for malaria.
Banjul - 21/04/2009
Pana
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