MRC-Gambia hails UK foreign sec’s visit

By Maimuna Sey-Jawo The Medical Research Institute, the Gambia, has expressed appreciation to the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary’s recent visit to the Council with his delegation. Boris Johnson’s visit also coincided with MRCG’s 70th anniversary and was the first time a UK foreign secretary visited The Unit. Prof Umberto, MRC boos, explained The Unit’s Chronology to Boris Johnson and the visiting UK diplomat was impressed with the quality of science The Unit produces and its impact on global health. Highlighting the importance of research at MRCG, Boris stated: “It fills me with great pride to see the multinational venture being supported by the UK Government, helping to tackle diseases of global health importance such as Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), Pneumonia and Meningitis.” When asked about the significance of the bilateral relationship between UK and The Gambia, the Foreign Secretary said: “It had been difficult building partnership with the former government. But with President Adama Barrow’s Government, Britain could help The Gambia develop its education, security, infrastructure and boosting its wonderful tourism industry. Moreover, the Embassy in The Gambia will soon become a High Commission as Gambia re-joins the Commonwealth”. At MRCG, the Foreign Secretary was given a brief overview of the research priorities and achievements by the Unit Director, Prof D’Alessandro, including a tour of our Laboratory facilities. In addition, Dr Anna Roca, Theme Coordinator Disease Control & Elimination DCE presented on Disease Control and Eliminations Theme, Prof Martin Antonio, Unit Molecular Biologist & Principal Investigator, presented on Vaccines and Immunity Theme, Prof Andrew Prentice, present on the Nutrition Theme while Dr Assan Jaye (Senior Manager, Research Training and Career Development) touched on the Research Training and Career Development Department. “MRCG has been operating in the Gambia longer than most of the country’s other structures and has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the host government. Through a longstanding partnership with Gambian people, via the provision of high quality health care, training and employment opportunities, it has established unparalleled good will with the local population, “he stated.]]>