The Programme Manager at Health Education Unit of the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare, Amadou Sowe, has stated that as of now there is no single case of cholera that has been reported in any of the health facilities in the country.

He made this observation in an interview with journalists yesterday following the reported outbreak of cholera in neighbouring countries.

Mr Sowe said that despite the fact that there is no case of cholera in the country as yet, his office would not be complacent.

 He noted that the Department of State for Health has set up a task force comprising staff from the Department of State for Water Resources, Municipalities, the NEA, the WHO, UNICEF and other partners working in the area of cholera prevention.

According to him, the Department of State for Health cannot do it alone.

He noted that recently some members of the task force visited all the health facilities in order to prepare people for any eventuality, including an outbreak.

He pointed out that all the health facilities have been well equipped with all the supplies they need.

He called on the general public to report to the nearest health facility if they suspect sudden diarrhoea with two or more watery stools per day.

Mr Sowe said the Regional Health Teams have notified the health staff at the border post to be vigilant enough at their respective border posts.

 He finally advised the general public to be mindful of what they eat and drink.

More people continue to give aid to the Presidential Treatment Programme, with Hatib Janneh, the proprietor of Sea View Hotel, donating a list of valuable items, worth at least D150,250.

The donated items include bags of sugar, cartons of milk, peas, cups and spoons, tooth paste and brushes, kettles and prayer mats.

Dr Tamsir Mbowe, the director general of the Presidential Treatment Programme, took delivery of the donation. He thanked Mr Janneh for the generous gesture, adding that this reinforces the public confidence in and support for the continuity of Dr Yahya Jammeh’s treatment.

Dr Mbowe pointed to the numerous successes registered by the treatment programme, which publicly started in January 2007. According to him, the successes of the various treatments make it an onus for everyone to support the selfless services the president is rendering to humanity, saying that the “lives that are being saved and hopes being restored” could be that of anyone.

Director General Mbowe used the opportunity to thank the president for his personal contribution to the health service delivery system in the country, noting that this has impacted positively on the key health indicators of the country, including life expectancy, maternal health, as well as a significant reduction in the number of admissions.

As part of its public outreach programmes, the US Embassy in The Gambia, on Tuesday, continued its free internet research training for students in senior secondary schools within the Greater Banjul Area.

The training was held at the embassy’s conference hall, located at its premises along the Kairaba Avenue. 

Stephen M Mallinger, the information resource officer at the US Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, delivered a presentation on internet research techniques. Mr Mallinger, who is also the regional officer for 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, told the Daily Observer that this training is part of the US embassy’s outreach programmes to the public.

“We are anxious to work with the youths and the cultural community.  We are fortunate that The Gambia’s official language is English, therefore, the American online information resources are quite appropriate for The Gambia,” he said. 

For his part, Mohammadou M Njie (Papa), the public diplomacy and cultural affairs assistant, thanked the students for responding to their invitation. 
He advised the students to work hard and make the best use of the knowledge gained.

The Kanifing Municipal Council, under the leadership of Mayor Yankuba Colley, yesterday donated D100,000 to the Presidential treatment programme.

An organisation called Jammeh Pree also donated 40 bed sheets to the treatment programme in response to the call of the director general of the Treatment Programme, Dr Tamsir Mbowe.

Reacting to the gestures, Dr Tamsir Mbowe said since the inception of the programme in January 2007, thousands of patients and their families have directly or indirectly benefited from the treatment programme.

According to the director general, the bed occupancies in the major health facilities have drastically dropped since the inception of the Presidential Treatment Programme. 

Dr Mbowe reminded the donors of a statement by the Gambian leader President Jammeh who said ill health sets the stage for poverty and under-development and said that their contribution to the treatment programme was therefore timely and highly welcome.
“This gestures will help to strengthen the health delivery system in the country,” he asserted.

The National Malaria Control Program last Sunday concluded a six –day intensive house to house indoor residual spraying campaign in the district of Foni.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Health Matters shortly after the campaign, Balla Kandeh the Senior Program officer said the exercise was jointly funded by the government of The Gambia, the Taiwanese Embassy and The President of the Republic Dr Yahya Jammeh. He described the exercise as successful noting that the communities in Foni were very co-operative with the spraymen.

During the exercise over 300 spraymen were involved drawn from NYSS and the Department of State for Health.

Aziz Ndaw, a resident of Bwiam, said prior to the spraying Mosquitoes used to disturb his family but a day after his house was sprayed he was able to sleep well without having any mosquito bites.

Amie Jarjue, a native of Ballen, commended government for coming to their aid adding that the indoor residual spraying is a good strategy to eradicate malaria in The Gambia.

Saihou Nyassi of Kampan appealed to government to do the exercise every six months.

For his part Alhagie Sankareh, senior administrator with the Regional Health Team Western, stated that before the operation all the Alkalo’s in Foni were sensitised. The Indoor residual spraying was first piloted in Janjanbureh before Banjul.

Mr. Sankareh stated that the spraymen were deployed in 11 sites in Foni noting that their target is the Kombos where they want to spend 20 working days. According to him, all this depends entirely on the availability of funds in order to carry on the exercise.

He said the Department of State for Health is working very hard to secure additional funds to cover the remaining sites in the country

He commended the youth of NYSS for their dedication and commitment during the exercise.

Lamin Ceesay, district supervisor Foni Kansala, said the exercise was successful in his area. He added that this is one of the biggest exercises carried out by the National Malaria Control Programme and appealed to DOSH to begin the operation around April and May before the beginning of the rainy season depending on the availability of funds.

After months of taking medications, under the watchful eyes of President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, 23 former HIV/AIDS patients have been given a clean bill of health and accordingly discharged, at a colourful ceremony, witnessed by thousands of Gambians, on Thursday, at Kanilai Village, Foni Kansala, Western Region. They comprised third, fourth and fifth batches of patients.

The Gambian leader used the forum to announce new discoveries in his treatment programme. Out of the overall 120 patients, 63 were found to be undetectable with the virus, while 23 were said to have totally been cleansed of it. It means that the latter category were saying goodbye to the man that has given them a new lease of life.

The president reminded the crowd that during the last discharge ceremony, he had promised to announce new discoveries in the near future; he noted that his intention now was to treat the patients within a period of not more than two months; be they HIV I and HIV II patients.

He pointed to the drastic reduction of the viral loads of the patients, from millions of copies for some, to less than a million for others, as indicative of the effectiveness of the medication.

Lessons
Announcing the potential in curing patients in less than one month, the president disclosed that they had made some discoveries that were worrisome during the course of the latest treatment process. Among other discoveries were that blood grouping was a determinant factor in the rate of removal of the virus from the blood of an HIV patient.

President Jammeh pointed out that while patients belonging to blood groups O-ve and O+ve were found to be difficult to be cleansed of the virus, patients with A+ and A-, B+ and B-, as well as AB+ and AB–  need not worry if they have HIV II. According to the president, treatment of such groups of people would not even take one month now.

Reassurance
Dr Jammeh reassured the patients in the current batches, who still have higher degrees of viral loads, not to be worried, saying that by the end of this month, if they were not discharged, they would be discharged the following one “by the Grace of the Almighty Allah”.

“We want to make sure that there is nothing in your blood,” he stated.

New discoveries
The surprise of the day was the announcement of the discovery of a cure for an enlarged prostrate, which causes blockage of the urethral tract making the passage of urine difficult, a situation, the Gambian leader said was common among the aged, mostly the men folk.

According to President Jammeh, the beauty of this cure is that it has given two positive results: once drank, one passes urine freely, but it also heightens the performance of the sexual organ of the patient concerned.

He said the fact that the medicine was difficult to get meant that they would strictly use it to cure those with prostrate and not for enhancement of the sexual organ. But there is no reason to worry, as the president reminded the people that he had earlier made an announcement of the discovery of the cure for such cases, calling on potential patients to register with the Presidential Medical Team through Dr Tamsir Mbowe, the director general of the programme.

Warning against
recklessness
To the discharged HIV/AIDS patients, the president warned that being cleared of the virus does not mean that one is immune. “So you have to take care of yourselves,” he urged.
 
For now, he said, none of those who have been cleared of the have been re-infected. “So it is up to you to follow their example,” he cautioned.

Resource constraints
Limited resources and logistics remain a big obstacle to the treatment programme, said the president, and this prevents him and his medical team from taking on a larger number of patients. He is of the belief that they could treat up to a thousand people if it were not for the limited resources at their disposal, which makes it difficult to provide adequate feeding and other needs of the patients.

He said: “I wish I can treat 5,000 patients a month, but it is not possible, because the facility is not there to accommodate all of you; and secondly, it is very, very expensive”. The president called for support from philanthropists.

Infertility patients
For those who underwent the infertility treatment, President Jammeh assured them that “by the Grace of the Almighty Allah”, over hundreds of them would deliver in the course of the coming months and beyond.

“As a matter of fact, from here to December, we would be having deliveries,” added, but noted that the continuation of this increasingly popular treatment programme is on the balance. According to President Jammeh, the decision of its continuation rest entirely on Gambians. Apparently, a group of Gambians, out of genuine concern for his personal security, had led a delegation to the president’s mother, advising against his continuation of the programme.  
 
He disclosed that more than 2,500 people have registered for the infertility treatment. “Should I leave them in their misery, or should I believe in the Almighty Allah and treat them?” he asked, and then went on, “I want the Gambian people to decide”. The issue now rests on the outcome of a public opinion survey that would soon be sanctioned by the director generals of both GRTS and the Presidential Treatment Team on GRTS tv.
For President Jammeh though, only “what the majority of Gambians say would make the difference”.

The president praised the nurses for taking care of the patients and for their hard work.
Solidarity and praise
In announcing the results of the patients, Dr Tamsir Mbowe reminded the gathering that the president had joined the fight against the deadly ailment not to create a name for himself, but to salvage humanity from the burden of the scourge.

He assured the Gambian leader that his confidence in himself, among other enviable qualities, has earned him a place in the history of medicine.
Dr Mariatou Jallow, who chaired the ceremony, called for all to dedicate themselves to the fight against HIV/AIDS by encouraging the youths to go for voluntary testing and counselling.

Sohna Bah, one of the patients, said she had never thought this time would have met her alive, having had a life-long disturbing experience. That was a view shared by Nengunde Bah, another patient, who said that The Gambia is blessed to have someone like President Jammeh at its head. They both praised the Gambian leader for the gesture.

The occasion was characterised by drama performances by the Gambia Red Cross drama group, and a newly established group called The Breakthrough.
The Twin Sisters also staged a thrilling musical performance.

As part of Gamcotrap’s continued efforts to promote and protect children’s rights, a one day sensitization programme on traditional practices, sexual and reproductive health rights was organized for thirty five Alkalolu and their Chiefs from the kombos. The programme that was organized in partnership with save the children Sweden regional office based in Dakar, Senegal was facilitated through the office of the Governor of the Western region as a strategic entry point to reach the traditional rulers who are the custodian of traditional practices in the Gambia.

During the workshop recently at paradise suite hotel the Paramount Chief, Alhagie Demba Sanyang who is also the head Chief expressed gratitude to be part of this important programme since it is about issues dealing with the health of women and children.

In his keynote speech the Governor of Western region, Mr. Lamin Sanneh noted that it was indeed a great pleasure and honour to be accorded with the privilege to make the opening statement on the auspicious training of local government authorities on traditional practices, sexual and reproductive health and rights. “Children and women are the most important productive element of the economy therefore they deserve the protection of the state and its apparatus, local government authorities and society at large”, he emphasized. Different sessions were dealt, on session one it was about their expectations for the workshop, this session dwelt on capturing the expectations of the Chiefs and Alkalolu. Their expectations were focused on the need to gain more information and knowledge about children’s rights, and issues on female genital mutilation. Some touched on learning the future direction on women and children’s right. Most of them argued that the current debates about children’s rights are not clear to them and they hope that the workshop will give them the opportunity to learn more about the issues and what their role is. This discussion also centered on the importance that Gamcotrap attaches to working with traditional structures especially the Chiefs and the Alkalolu in the pursuit to the realization of its aims and objectives.

Session two was on child rights and principles, this presentation looked at the definition of what rights are and how people perceive the whole issue of children’s rights. The discussion touched on the needs of children and how the fulfillment of these needs relate to basic and indivisible rights of all children. The presentation also looked at the issue of protection as a fundamental aspect of children’s rights. Some of the critical issues raised included protection from harmful traditional practices i.e. FGM and early marriages, other issue highlighted include sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

On the comments, the Chiefs noted that the programme should be further strengthened to reach out to more people; they also acknowledged learning the truth and will offer their full support in the process. On his comment the Kartong Alkali said “the advocacy of Gamcotrap is difficult with challenges but there is hope for success”, he pledged the support of the Alkalolu on any resolution on children’s rights.

On the third session that was about Isam and religion was presented by Imam Baba Leigh and Muhammad Sanuwo, these two religious Scholars, talked about the religious perspective of culture and practices. They touched on the historical perspective of female genital mutilation and the point of contestation surrounding the practices of FGM.

The presentation also highlighted some religious misinterpretations and preaching by some religious Scholars who continue to have access to the media zith their pro FGM

propaganda. They gave a crystal clear religious explanation about male circumcision and female circumcision and concluded that there is no where it is prescribed for women in any divine religious text. After this session it was observed in their comments that the information they receive on the public radio is contrary to what they have heard in the workshop. They noted that the information from the workshop is correct and every citizen should have the right information to make the right choice for their children. They observed that the government should give access to organizations with the right information to promote positive development and enlighten the population using the radio. In the light of these observations the following suggestions were made:

v           Religious leaders should come out and discuss the issues and the truth for people to get the right information.

v           People have to look at those who talk on the media and who mandated them to talk on the Radio as pro FGM campaigners and that should be stopped.

v           They highlighted the need for Gamcotrap to have access to the radio and discuss the issues of concern to the general public and they promised to look into the matter.

On session four: Components of reproductive health.

This session reported on the current situation regarding reproductive health and rights of women and children. It highlighted the increase in sexually transmitted diseases and the number of children affected. Participants were taken through the nine components of reproductive health which highlighted some very common household problems in relation to reproduction and the need to maintain and protect the health of women and children. Some of these include proper family planning procedures and safe motherhood practices to ensure the protection and maintenance of the health of women and children.

On session five: role of community leaders.

This was one of the most powerful sessions which evoked the sensitivities of the traditional decision makers and their role in various communities. For the Chiefs they cover a large jurisdiction in which several village heads exist. They lamented on the effects of lack of knowledge and the misconceptions which have been cleared by attending the workshop. Each of them made comments and the following represents the general ethos towards the fights against FGM and promoting children’s rights.

v           To ensure that a law against FGM is put in place so as to help the Chiefs and Alkalolu effectively engage with the people. This will help the elimination of harmful traditional practices.

v           To also engage and strengthen the capacity of the village development committees, in order to strengthen the advocacy at the community levels.

v           The paramount Chief of the Gambia pronounced joining Gamcotrap and offered to support in the advocacy to eradication of FGM.

v           All Chiefs and Alkalolu present at the workshop agreed to work together and protect the children. “Therefore we need one voice and come together to eradicate the practices.

v           Gamcotrap should conduct similar programme with all the chiefs in the Gambia with their national assembly members in order to make more declarations against harmful traditional practices.

v           The children’s act and the women’s bill should now be reinforced and this should

      be advocated for.

Chief of Kombo Central Dembo Santang Bojang, in giving the vote of thanks commended Gamcotrap for providing knowledge to the community leaders in the midst of ignorance about the practices of FGM. As enlightened leaders they will engage with the people and the women to ensure that the practices stop.

For her part Aja Nyimansata Sanneh Gamcotrap board member also thanked the staff of Gamcotrap and community leaders through the paramount chief and the governor of western region. She noted that the empowerment of women cannot be truly realized without the attainment of good health for Gambian women and children. “Government is aware of the advocacy work to eradicate FGM. As community leaders {Chiefs and Alkalolu} they are aware of the cultural issues in the societies and with their support, the practice can be eradicated”. She urged the leaders to mobilize their communities and spread the knowledge gained.

Thank very much for your kind attention.

The Secretary of State for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, Hon. Yankuba Touray, recently launched the Mater Fishermen Training Programme in Tanji in Kombo South, Western Region.

Speaking at the occasion, the director of the Fisheries Department, Mr. Adiatu Njie, said that the training aims to create employment opportunities for the youth of Tanji and its environs and also to increase fish production and distribution in The Gambia. He stated that the training programme will also contribute to the improvement of nutrition in the population.

Speaking earlier, the co-oridinator of the Mater Fishermen Training Programme, Mr. Ebou Mass Mbye, said it is indeed not the first time for the Department of Fisheries to conduct fishermen training for young Gambians.

According to Mr. Mbye, the statistics show that a total of 158 Gambians from Kartong benefited from the fishermen training programme since the late ‘80’s and that some of these people are still engaged in the fishing industry.

He revealed that the Department of State for Fisheries has engaged the support of three NGO’s in the training of Gambian fishermen in the area of fishing namely NYSS, Bafrow and YAFSSE.

He further revealed that the training will include net mounting, net mending, fishing on a daily basis.

“The 40% will be kept in a separate account to be managed by the Fisheries Department and the Tanji Fisheries. Any other expenditure, such as the purchase of spare parts, nets and the maintenance of boats will come from this account,” Mr. Mbye said.

He stated that fish will be sold by two fishermen from each boat and witnessed by a representative of Tanji Management Fisheries Project.

Babou Sarr, the managing director of the Tanji Fisheries Project, commended the president for his contribution to the development of the fisheries sector. He expressed optimism that they would do their level best to make the training programme a successful one.

For his part, the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, Hon Yankuba Touray, urged the people of Tanji to make good use of the training programme and expressed his governments readiness to improve and empower the lives of Gambian young people.