The Network of Adolescents and Youth on Population and Development (NAYPOD), in their attempt to increase more responsiveness on ‘’Malaria Prevention in relation to  Behavioral Change Communication in collaboration with Nova-Scotia Gambia Association (NSGA),  recently ended a two day training on malaria prevention at the Kanifing Municipal Council conference Hall.
The deputy mayor of KMC, Yusupha Sanyang said, the training is applicable as it would go a long way in promoting the welfare of   young people and   society as a whole.
He told the gathering that malaria prevention should be a concern for all as the syndrome is a national issue and collective approach is the only way forward to eradicate it.
Mr. Sanyang stated that government spend  millions of dalasis  on malaria prevention  every year saying   this  is an indication that it is an issue which  needs to be fought concertedly.  
   “I f we are ready to eradicate malaria more work needs to be done.   The development taken by NAYPOD and NSGA is definitely timely   as it will equip   participants the necessary skills to combat malaria.  I therefore urged the participants who are here to make good use of the opportunity accorded to you as there are thousands who could not be part of the training.’’
 KMC, he added  will always toil with NAYPOD and other youth bodies within the municipality in order to promote the activities of   young people as well as to boost their confidence at all times.
“Empowering young people means developing the whole nation since empowering them means developing the future who are the agents of change.  But in turn, it is also the duty of   young people to participate in meaningful ventures that would yield development for them,” he said.  
 Yusupha thanked the organisers for organising the training.  
Marchel Mendy,  National Youth Council Administrative Secretary said, the number of people affected by malaria is alarming.  
 ‘’We have to come under one umbrella to combat malaria and reduce the menace in our country through   joint efforts.’’
He added that it would be fundamental for young people to take a leading role in the crusade more especially in the rural community.
‘’We need to change our minds and behaviors towards malaria and make good use of the knowledge gained from this training,” he remarked.       
Fatoumata Ceesay of NSGA who also doubles as the lead trainer also tasked participants to be committed and focused.  
“Our   partnership with NAYPOD is genuine and cordial.  We as an NGO   will promote the interest of young people who are organised and ready to take part in the development of the country and their communities,” she said.
NSGA, she said aims to train young people, focus on peer health education, leadership, life skills and education amongst others.
Lamin Marong NAYPOD National Chairperson,  said their slogan for the training is ‘Free Gambia Malaria’ saying that is the reason they have invited young people to take part in the workshop.
  “It is very necessary to train young people as malaria is still a concern and a threat to the lives of children under five years and pregnant women,” he said.
  Ebrima Drammeh National Coordinator NAYPOD, Dembo Kambi West Coast Region Youth Chairperson and NAYPOD Chair, Tombong Jallow and Maimuna Sama all echoed similar remarks.
Kawsu Badjie NAYPOD KM Coordinator chaired the ceremony.