NEWS BANJUL THE GAMBIA (MB)- 8th March 2011, The Public Health Research and Development Centre (CIAM), handed over two desk top computers and five flash drives 8kb to the Association of Health Journalists (AOHJ) at a ceremony held at CIAM conference hall in Kanifing, attended by mebbers of AOHJ.
Chairing the ceremony, Mr. Momodou Alieu Bah, CIAM welcome the journalists to the handing over ceremony of the equipments to the AOHJ saying that the official handing over of the equipments to AOHJ is part of the project "Strengthening capacity to utilise research evidence in policy making in the Gambia”,
He spoke at length on the past and current cordial relationship between CIAM and AOHJ noting that for the past eight to nine years, CIAM has a good relationship with AOHJ.
According to Bah, the relationship between CIAM and AOHJ will continue for the interest of both parties promising that CIAM will always endeavour to look for opportunities for capacitating or training of health journalists in the areas of public health citing malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis among other diseases.
He says the donated items, should serve as tools for the association and its members to access information relating to health issues adding that the donated items will also be used by the journalists to execute their duties.
Dr. Sam Anya, executive director of CIAM, speaking on behalf of Mr. Cherno Jallow, vice- chairman of CIAM, said they were pleased to hand over the two desk top computers and five flash drives to the association.
According to him, the donation came as a result of a project entitled “Strengthening capacity to utilise research evidence in policy making in the Gambia”.
Dr. Anya remarked that project is supported by the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva and the Wellcome Trust based in United Kingdom (UK).
Dr. Anya stated that the component of the project for the health journalist will focus on enhancing their understanding of health terminologies and concepts stating that the training component will also help in strengthening their capacities to utilise research evidence in the conduct of their work as health journalists.
CIAM Executive Director further expressed hope cordial relationship between CIAM and AOHJ will contribute toward enhancing the quality of the work of the health journalists in the country with the latest equipment donated to the association, he positioned.
Dr. Anya then thanked Wellcome Trust for providing the computers and flash drives for the health journalists and for supporting some of the up coming training activities for the association.
In delivering his vote of thanks, Mr. Momodou Faal, President of AOJH, who received the items on behalf of the association,thanked both CIAM, Wellcome Trust and other donors for the timely provision of the much needed items.
Mr. Faal recalled that it was in November, 2009, a joint proposal was submitted to the Wellcome Trust by the select committee of the National Assembly, CIAM, Public Health Research and Development Centre and AOHJ.
According to Faal, the donated items will be used greatly by the health journalists in their research and sensitization work on health related issues.
He adds: " As far as this project is concerned our role as journalists is very crucial," while calling on all members of the association to make best use of the items donated.
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