Fall in Incidence of Malaria in The Gambia

The incidence of malaria has fallen significantly in Gambia in the last 5 years, according to a study carried out by experts there with support from scientists based in London.

Malaria is a major cause of illness and death in Africa, including Gambia. Investigations into ways of controlling malaria have been underway in Gambia for more than 50 years and, since 2003, efforts to deliver malaria interventions to pregnant women and children under 5 – including intermittent preventive treatment, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying - have been stepped up considerably.

Malaria is one of the world's biggest killers, responsible for over a million deaths every year, mainly in children and pregnant women in Africa and south east Asia. It is caused by the malaria parasite, which is injected into the bloodstream from the salivary glands of infected mosquitoes.

In areas where transmission rates of malaria are high, death occurs most frequently in young children, usually as a result of severe anaemia. Surviving children rapidly develop immunity to the disease and severe malaria is rarely seen in older children. Where transmission rates are lower, the proportion of older children infected with malaria increases – in older children, malaria can lead to even more serious complications as the parasites reach the brain.

The authors sought to investigate the changes that have occurred in Gambia over the past nine years, their potential causes, and public health significance. They analysed original records in order to establish the numbers and proportions of malaria inpatients, deaths and blood-slide examinations at one hospital over nine years (January 1999-December 2007) and at four health facilities in three different administrative regions over seven years (January 2001-December 2007). They obtained additional data from single sites for haemoglobin concentrations in paediatric admissions and for the age distribution of malaria admissions.

At each of the four sites with complete slide examination records, they found that the proportions of malaria-positive slides had decreased by 82%, 85%, 73% and 50% respectively between 2003 and 2007. Meanwhile, during the same period at the three sites with complete admission records, the proportions of malaria admissions fell by 74%, 69% and 27%. Proportions of deaths attributed to malaria in two hospitals fell by more than 90%.

The team also recorded a substantial shift in the average age of children who were admitted to one hospital with malaria after 2004, with far fewer under 5s being admitted after that year. The average age until 2004 was similar to that recorded ten years previously, so the finding of a trend towards older ages of malaria cases was new. A more substantial decrease of malaria admissions in younger children is likely to be largely due to increased use of ITNs, since this intervention is targeted at children under 5, but it may also reflect a situation in which children are taking longer to acquire immunity.

The team considered possible reasons for the decrease of malaria in Gambia. Changes in rainfall cause some fluctuations in malaria from year to year, but could not account for the progressive reduction recorded since 2003, while socio-economic changes, improvements in communications and access to education may also have helped, although these factors tend to have a more gradual impact rather than the rapid changes reported at the different sites. A change in chemotherapy is likely to have played a substantial role – until 2004, chloroquine alone was mainly used but as parasite resistance to this drug had increased to high levels, the first-line treatment of choice became sulphadoxine plus pyrimethamine (SP) combined with chloroquine, from early 2005 onwards. SP has prophylactic as well as curative properties which may have been important.

The most substantial change in measures to prevent malaria has been the increase of coverage of ITNs, which thanks to well-publicised initiatives from the Global Fund, UNICEF and WHO increased threefold between 2000 and 2006 (49% of under 5s in Gambia are now reported to be sleeping under ITNs – the highest reported coverage in Africa).

David Conway, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who is based at the Medical Research Council Laboratories in Banjul in Gambia, is one of the study's authors. He comments: 'These findings support the proposal that increased investment in malaria interventions in Africa can have a major effect on reducing morbidity and mortality from the disease. We need to consider the possibility of future elimination of malaria from some areas in Africa, but we also emphasise the importance of continuous surveillance, and there is no room for complacency with this disease'

Furnished 3 bedroom House

Beautiful 3 bedroom property fully furnished to U.K. standards £44,000

3 Bedroom walled compound with shed and it's own back up generator. The house comes fully furnished to a high standard.

The lving area features white leather double sofa, T.V. DVD VCR, the dinning area comes with dining table and six chairs.

Master bedroom is en-suite with A/C with kingsize bed, the two other bedrooms both have double beds. The running costs for water is aprox £4 a month, the Council Tax was £14 for the year.

The large garden features wicker furniture on the veranda and fruitrees are abundent like banana, aubergine, and Mandarine. Price including furniture located in the Taf Estates just 5 minutes from the airport

Bakau New Town

3 bedroom house for sale in Bakau New Town £70,000

3 bed bungalow front room/living room / living room master bed with en-suite bedroom / bedroom en-suite share / storeroom walk in closet /staff quarters garden fruit trees papaoe, pineapple, Mango tree, very close to Marina school, Amex Embassy, the British Embassy, and BAES. It is also in walking distance to the African village Hotel.

The plot measures 540.7 square meters The house is being sold fully furnished, it comprises of three bedrooms, of which one is a master bedroom with en suite bathroom and a large walk in wardrobe the other two large bedrooms has a bathroom although not en suite. In addition there is two living rooms one has a large dining room attached (open planned) The kitchen is fully fitted, it also has a cooker fairly new there is also s a large pantry.. Each room is equipped with an AC and ceiling fans and modern ceiling lamps throughout there is also a large veranda which is tiled.

The garden is mature with flowers growing along the walls of the compound, a large coconut tree,a mango tree, papaya tree, lemon tree, banana tree and pineapples growing in the garden and a concrete gazebo there is also a boys quarter on the grounds with shower toilet.

5 Bedrooms in Kololi

5 bedroom house in Kololi for sale £140,000
Prime Location huge compound
Generator
Air condition in four rooms
All rooms have fans
Boy's quarters.
Water tower.
car porch
About 10mins form Senegambia and beach
Mature garden with fish pond.
Very large kitchen and living room.
Will be leaving beds and tv's.

Organisation of African Union Conference Presidential Villas

Building Spec.and Inventory
Plot Size: 464 sqm
Total floor area: 155 sqm
Foundation and slab: Reinforced concrete
Blockwork: sand/cement (15cm thick) with damp proof membrane
Beams/UntoI/coliimn Reinforced concrete
Internal & External Render 12mm sand/cement
Roof: Timber, Trusses 5 purlins with Harvey roofing sheets
Eaves: 6mm plywood
Ceiling, moulded Gypsium plaster
Internal Doors; semi solid moulded mahogany doors and frames
External Door. Mahogany (front); Alluminium (kitchen backdoor)
Windows: white powder coated with 6mm tinted glass with mosquito gauze and steel burglar proofing
Floor Tiling: 50 x 50cm polished porcelain tile and 30 x 30cm ceramic tiles
Skirting: Timber and ceramic
Kitchen Cabinet Solid Oak cabinet, stainless steel extractor with acrylic kitchen sink
Electrics: circuit breaker distribution board
Chandeliers in living and dining rooms
Ceiling lights in all other rooms and corridors
External lights in all four walls and veranda ceiling

DECORATION
Three coats of washable paint on all external and internal walls and ceiling. Brick claddings on all external comer walls and around windows

Paved Drive way, Grass Lawn all around the compound with ornamental and fruit trees

LIVING ROOM (28sqm)
Centre table is a130cm x 120cm x 35cm marble base with 3.5cm thick glass top
Side coffee tables: 70cm x 70cm x 40cm marble base with 3.5om thick glass
TV cabinet is a 260cm x 35cm x 35cm marble base with 3.5cm thick glass top with a 29 inch LG flat screen TV with two external speakers
Hi-fi with radio cassette and DVD player
Home theatre with five speakers (surround system)
3x2x1 leather settees
3m x 2m Moroccan rug
2 table lamps on each side coffee table
1m x 50cm wall paining
Three pairs of curtains with daylight fabric and fabric pelmet
One 18,000btu plasma split Air conditioner

DINING ROOM (14sqm)
One 12,000btu Air Conditioner
Marble and glass dining table with six leather chairs (cream)
1.5mx 50cm painting
A2m x 1.5m Moroccan rug

VERANDA(12sqm)CORRIDOR (26.8 sqm)LINEN CUPBOARD (1.2sqm)

KITCHEN (14sqm)
One fridge Freezer
A microwave
Electric Kettle in stainless silver and black
Gas cooker fitted with gas bottle
45 piece home starter set which comprise the following
Two non stick saucepans, Non-stick stir and fry pan. Non stick fry pans, 16piece cutlery set, 5 piece rivet knife set, 5 piece soft grip kitchen tool set, 30 x 20cm chopping board, scissors
6O piece ceramic starter diner set
A set of floral kitchen towels
Iron board and electric iron
Internal trash bin for kitchen

GUEST BEDROOM 1
(12sqm)12000 btu plasma split Air conditioner
A Double bed spread with bed linens to match bedroom curtains and matching pelmet cover
One bedside cabinet with two chests of drawers and a bedside lamp
A matching three door ward robe with bath towels inside
A wall painting of 80cm x 50cm

GUEST BEDROOM 2 (12 sqm)
Exactly the same furnishing as Guest Bedroom 1 MASTER BEDROOM (20sqm)
18,000 btu plasma split Air conditioner
A King size bed spread with bed linen matching curtains and pelmet covers
Two bedside cabinets with bedside lamps on each cabinet
A bed side rug
A five door wardrobe with bath gowns and complete set of bath towels
A Dressing table with dimensions of 1.21 x 45 x 75 with a stool
A bedroom TV measuring 1.80m x 58.5cm 49cm with a 18inch flat screen home theatre cinema

ENSUITE (6sqm)
Acrylic bath tub
A semi circular glass cubicle on tray
Wash Hand basin on timber vanity unit
White porcelain WC
Stainless silver and glass toilet accessories

SHARED SHOWER ROOM FOR THE TWO GUEST BEDROOMS (5.25sqm)
Shower area fitted with shower curtain and shower unit
Stainless silver and glass toilet accessories
White porcelain WC and Wash Hand Basin
All water heaters are outside the house
Two door wall wardrobe

VISITOR'S TOILET (3.75sqm)
White porcelain WC and Wash Hand Basin
Stainless silver and glass toilet accessories

Moving to the Gambia

The Gambia offers you many of the same basic services you can get in your own country. Your investments are protected under similar laws and regulations to the British legal system, with the right to owning a house, land or other property or starting a business in Gambia.

Why are you buying the property?

Is this for retirement, a holiday home, a holiday home that you want to pay its way or a pure investment. If you are buying a property as an investment, see our Guide to Buying Property as an Investment.Which country and area will suit you best? If this is an investment, where are you likely to make the most money? Which type of property is best for you? Villa, apartment, townhouse. This is not always obvious. How are you going to pay for the property? Are you going to take out a mortgage? If so, where and for how much? What are you doing to guard against the risk of fluctuating exchange rates? How are you going to manage the property? If you want to let the property, who are your target tenants? Who will manage the lettings? How much money will you make? Who should be the legal owner of the property? The right choice here can save you £/€/$THOUSANDS, even on an ordinary holiday home. See below for more information.We will be happy to assist you with all of these issues.

Why Buy in Gambia

In the endless search for equity growth and rental yields property investors are searching further and further afield. Dubai, Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey have all enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame as an overseas property hotspot and the markets there continue to thrive despite the threat of the bubble bursting. Costa de la Luz and Cape Verde are currently enjoying the limelight but a real opportunity lies on the West African coast in the former British colony of The Gambia. The Gambia is a 6 hour flight from London and has blossomed into a world class tourist resort over the last decade with five star hotels, fine dining, fantastic beaches, water sports, sports fishing and many other quality sporting and leisure pursuits. The Gambia is peaceful and stable. Crime rates and the cost of living are among the lowest in the world. Property ownership is part of the Gambian constitution and the conveyancing system is transparent and straightforward when done professionally. The Gambian government is totally committed to free enterprise. Luxury brand new four bedroom villas range from 80,000.00 GBP to 150,000.00 GBP dependant on location and proximity to the beaches. These properties can rent for up to 10,000.00 GBP per annum to United Nations or embassy staff. Building land is readily available and prices start from less than 1.00 GBP per square metre. Construction costs are a fraction of those in Europe and opportunities exist for commercial, residential, and tourist developments.

Utility Bills in the Gambia, and other Useful Information

Electricity is billed on a monthly basis with a minimum standing charge regardless of occupancy based on the electrical capacity of the property. Actual units of electricity used are paid on top of this standing charge. There are prepaid electricity meters available - Cash Power - where preferred.
Telephone access is provided by Gamtel (the equivalent of BT in the UK). They bill on a montly basis.
Mobile access is provided by Africel and Gamcel with Alcotel on its way. These only operate through the purchase of sim cards and top-up credit cards which are widely available. There is little to choose between these providers on pricing or reliability.
The internet is provided by both Quantum who offer Broadband and Gamtel who offer a dial-up connection. It should be noted that VOIP is illegal in the Gambia. The internet is also billed monthly.
Satelite TV is available with widely varying packages. Expect to pay equipment, installation and set up fees together with a monthly standing charge.

Other Useful Info
High calibre maids, gardeners and security staff are readily available, many with extensive experience gained in the luxury Gamban hotels. There are many European, Gambian and Arabic property maintenance firms with cost and quality varying considerably. We can provide suitable companies including references where necessary. As with most conveyancing transactions the purchase price is dependant upon a number of factors predominantly location, size and quality of the property/land being tendered.
There are annual payments for land rent and local taxes to be made. The land rent is a minimal fee and indicated on the lease document where the property is purchased as leasehold land.
Local rates are based on the rateable value of the land assessed by the Tax Office. The rateable value accounts for both the land and building value dependant upon type, location and use class. When this value is decided the Area Council determines the percentage to be charged for local rates. These rates are also minimal. .

Gambia Building Insurance

Building insurance is available and is recommended. Please contact us where necessary for further details.
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Do you want to Buy Property in the Gambia

We offer a range of properties and land for sale throughout The Gambia. Click here to look at real estate, building land and properties, houses, homes and villas for sale in Banjul, Kololi, Kotu, Brufut, Sanyang, Bakau, Fajara, Senegambia,.The Gambia.
All available Gambian land or properties for sale are published on our website and details are readily available for you to download, print off or forward to a friend.
Our Gambia real estate news and sales list changes frequently and we recommend that you register with us so that we can look after you personally and contact you immediately that we are aware of a property that may meet your requirements

Gambia Property Marketing

Online Advertising: We fully maximise the online marketing of each property through the Property Portals, and this site through the leading search engines and popular internet sites. Once your advertisement goes ‘live’ on our web site, it will be promoted across all major search engines. This website was visited 50,000 times in 2006 by individual users actively seeking Gambian properties and Gambian Real Estate information.

Offline advertising: We offer the same offline advertising as a high street agent, including: 'For Sale' / 'To Let' Boards and Magazine Advertising. We have a min. of 1,000 users visiting our site each day - more than any Gambian estate agent?

Property Particulars: We understand that property buyers wish to make decisions online & sellers do not wish to have unqualified viewings. Therefore we include full property details: virtual tours, maps, measurements & extensive professional photographs.
'Live' Property: Buyers & Tenants require 'Live' up to date property lists. On this site our property searches are in real time. Our partner sites properties are updated at least once every day.

'Live' Applicants: The internet has enabled us to operate and utilise a dynamic database of hundreds of active Buyers & Tenants looking for holiday homes, investment or retirement properties or building land for sale in all areas of Gambia .

Gambia Holiday Property

The Gambia is the next big thing, an emerging property market hot spot, a country that offers value for money and represent an opportunity for anyone looking for a good return on an overseas holiday apartment as a property investment or looking for a holiday home, guest house or retirement property.