The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) together with its Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partners last Friday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Malaria Day in Bakadaji village, Upper River Region.

The theme for this year's celebrations was Malaria - 'a disease without borders'; and an accompanying slogan 'unite to combat malaria'.

Speaking at the ceremony, Modou S Khan, deputy governor of Upper River Region said that, malaria is a contributing factor to Africa's poor growth and development. He added that the disease accounts more than one million deaths every year especially to children under 5 years and pregnant woman.

For his part, Malang Fofana, programme manager, NMCP, said in The Gambia, malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under 5 years and pregnant woman. He added further that the disease was also responsible for most school and work absenteeism.

According to him, the reason why World Malaria Day is celebrated is for the fact that it provides an opportunity for governments and their collaborators to prededicate themselves to the ideals of the Abuja Summit in order to mobilise all stakeholders to concerted efforts to preventing and controlling malaria.

"It is worth mentioning that The Gambia is the leading country working closest to meeting Abuja targets. In the same vein, it is worthnoting that, it is only through effective partnership and strong unity as well as public and private sector resource mobilisation and participation that, we can share ideas on how we can all join forces to roll back malaria in The Gambia", he noted.

Deputising for Dr Lius Gomez Sambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mamo Jawla said people must recognise that the vision of eliminating malaria will only become a reality through country wide implementation of intervention that will require improved government participation and accountability, increased level of advocacy, better communication, social education and mobilisation, predictable and sustainable financing from governments and development partners. He implored on all member states, partners and stakeholders in malaria control, to build upon their common achievements and adjust to the changing malaria landscape in order to accelerate the improvement of health in African Region" he said.