Human capacity building is at the root of everything MRC (UK) The Gambia wants to achieve; it underpins development in general and the scientific breakthroughs The Unit has enjoyed over several decades in particular.
People have to have the knowledge, the skills and the wherewithal to get the job done and the MRC has continually demonstrated its commitment to nurturing professionals, leaders and investing in staff on all points of the occupational spectrum for many years.

One of MRC (UK) The Gambia’s most significant training platforms is its professional development pathway for laboratory technicians, the young people who provide the day to day bench support for the production of world class science and diagnostics. On Wednesday 3rd June, 15 individuals from the MRC and the Gambia Government were awarded the University of Westminster Diploma in Biomedical Sciences at MRC Fajara. Gibril Bah, MRC’s Head of Haematology and the Course Coordinator said ‘The main aims of the Diploma are to provide a high quality educational and academic experience to our laboratory technicians; to provide a recognized professional qualification and to prepare participants for potential further study opportunities.’ Over the years, a number of staff of Gambia Government health facilities including the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, the Jammeh Foundation Hospital and Bansang Hospital have also benefited from this training, as have laboratory technicians from NGOs and private laboratories in The Gambia.

This year’s batch brings the total number of Diploma graduands to 63 since the inception of the course in 2000. The diploma has also served as a good foundation for further studies. Currently, six diploma graduands are doing full time BSc courses in the UK and they will be joined by a further two in September 2009.

One word that defines the professional development policy of MRC (UK) The Gambia is ‘relevance.’ The Unit strives to encourage what is of direct import to the production of world class science and focuses its staff development initiatives around harnessing the talents of individuals who go on to contribute to this objective. During the challenging times ahead the MRC plans to remain true to its credo that if you don't have the people to do whatever you're trying to do, you can't do it. Chris Turner, Head of Learning and Development at MRC (UK) The Gambia commented ‘We have the stated aim to increase the numbers of skilled professional staff but most particularly in the sphere of science. And this no more true than in our training strategy, where 'growing' scientists to compete in the international arena of science is a guiding principle.’

Building on the partnership The Unit enjoys with the people and Government of The Gambia, MRC (UK) The Gambia will continue to focus on developing drugs, vaccines and interventions to tackle the priority areas for healthcare both here and the developing world in ways that are practical, affordable and appropriate. Professor Tumani Corrah, Unit Director commented ‘As we’ve said on numerous occasions, interventions developed in The Gambia are now saving millions of lives here and elsewhere (including insecticide treated bed nets, Hib and Hepatitis B vaccination). The continuity and success of our work will depend upon young people like the ones receiving their diplomas today – and our ability as a Unit to continue offering new challenges and development opportunities.’

The Unit is currently re-organising its research portfolio to better reflect shifting international trends in infectious disease research funding, global health and local health needs. Three themes will define The Unit’s work in the coming years: elimination and disease control (including malaria, Hepatitis B and TB research); child survival and vaccination. These are areas of proven competence where MRC (UK) The Gambia enjoys a significant competitive edge; indeed the size of The Unit’s reputation in these areas far outweighs its physical size. Training will remain a priority in spite - or because - of the considerable challenges The Unit faces going forward and will be essential to ensure that MRC (UK) The Gambia remains relevant, competitive and attracts the best people capable of delivering the best science. As Professor Corrah remarked ‘During the challenging times ahead, The Unit will remain committed to the professional development of Gambians and other nationals. However, we’ll be looking at more creative and innovative ways of supporting staff development needs in future, as we anticipate a significant increase in external funding opportunities for our work here at The Unit.’

The MRC has established a highly successful record of investing in the training of scientific researchers from diploma through to Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral levels. The University of Westminster Diploma has been a very valuable stage in providing education for The Unit’s staff and is now giving way to newer initiatives such as the Kingston & St George’s University (UK) Foundation Degree, which is now in its third year. Indeed, this year more students from the Gambia Government have enrolled with MRC staff on the Foundation Degree

In his concluding remarks at the graduation ceremony, Chris Turner said ‘Perhaps the most remarkable encouraging fact about the achievements of these graduands here today and, indeed, all of those that went before them is this that they remain in The Gambia, they live, work and study in The Gambia and each day contribute to the furtherance of science in The Gambia.’