Africa-Press – Gambia. In a concerted effort to eliminate malaria in The Gambia by 2030, the Gambia Red Cross Society and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) have launched a $2 million nationwide project aimed at reducing the burden of the disease.
The initiative, unveiled on Friday at a community gathering in Brufut to mark World Malaria Day, is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The campaign is anchored on this year’s global theme: “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”
The project, financed by CIDCA, focuses on a multipronged strategy that includes vector control, community case management, seasonal chemoprevention, and the distribution of dual active ingredient mosquito nets. In addition, public education and behavioral change campaigns will be deployed to help communities play an active role in prevention.
Dr. Lamin Samateh, The Gambia’s Minister of Health, called the launch a milestone in the country’s malaria elimination efforts. “Today is both a celebration of progress and a call to action,” he said. “This project is not just about fighting a disease. It’s about demonstrating what can be achieved when international cooperation, national leadership, and community commitment align.”
Dr. Samateh expressed gratitude to China and the IFRC for what he described as “unwavering solidarity” in strengthening The Gambia’s public health infrastructure.“Allow me to express on behalf of the Government and the people of The Gambia our profound appreciation to the Government of China, China Aid and IFRC for their generosity, solidarity and unwavering partnership. This project is not a malaria intervention; it’s a bold demonstration of how international cooperation, local leadership and community engagement can combine to bring about meaningful change,” He Said.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia, His Excellency Liu Jin, reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for The Gambia’s efforts to eliminate malaria. He highlighted that the project would play a significant role in advancing the country’s journey toward eradicating the disease.
“The elimination of Malaria is an important part of the United Nations sustainable development goals and coincides with the co-values of the TDI. Today, by joining hands with the IFRC we achieved a brand blueprint into concrete actions and helped the Gambian people to get rid of Malaria and move towards a healthy future,” He Said.
Fabakary Kalleh, President of the Gambia Red Cross Society, echoed the minister’s sentiments and noted that the project will enhance existing efforts led by the Ministry of Health and other partners.
“This project is intended to complement and enhance ongoing national efforts spearheaded by the ministry of health and its rollback malaria partners with shared goals of eliminating Malaria throughout The Gambia,” he said.
The project adopts a holistic approach to malaria control, focusing on community education, preventive strategies, social and behavioral change communication, and case management at the community level. It will also include vector control measures and the distribution of dual active ingredient nets. Seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaigns will form another cornerstone of the intervention.
With the combined efforts of the government, international partners, and local communities, this ambitious project offers a promising step forward in The Gambia’s fight against malaria.
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