25 April 2008
On Malaria Day, the Gambia is more determined than ever to pursue its quest to eradicate malaria altogether.
Unicef has stated that the Gambia is the country that is most likely to achieve the Abuja Declaration target.
The Declaration was signed by 44 country members in 2000 and stipulates that by 2010, at least 80 per cent of all children under five, as well as pregnant women should have insecticide treated nets as a malaria protection measure.
Min-Whee Kang, Unicef representative in Banjul told the Daily Observer: "Unicef congratulates the government of the Gambia for its strong political will to combat malaria and other preventable childhood diseases."
Africa Malaria Day was first celebrated ten years ago before becoming World Malaria Day last year.
It presents an opportunity for all the countries affected by the disease to assess the situation and make new initiatives for the year coming in order to fight against malaria until it is eradicated.
Unicef, which today operates with 183 countries across the globe, was established in 1946 to protect children's welfare and rights across the world.
