The MRC The Gambia Unit has a 60 year record of internationally competitive research aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases in the developing world. It has also demonstrated a consistent commitment to supporting and developing both research capacity and health service delivery in The Gambia and across the West African sub-region.
In line with this commitment, we are presently reviewing our activities, structures and investments across West Africa to ensure continuing success in terms of our core objectives over the next 20 to 30 year period. These remain a focus on excellent science aimed at addressing health priorities, and on supporting the development of scientific, administrative, technical and leadership capacity for internationally competitive research in the sub-region.

This review, commenced in August 2008, will undoubtedly result in a number of changes not just to the disease portfolio being addressed by our Unit scientists, but also to how and where we spread our investments and activities across the sub-region in the coming years.

One of the immediate results of this review process is the decision to close the Farafenni Field Site, which will cease operations at the end of February 2009. Some of the excellent science currently ongoing in Farafenni will be re-located.

We will have some challenging decisions to make over the period, but also many new opportunities and collaborations opening up. We look forward to engaging with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders across West Africa and beyond as part of the process.

In a changing world, a greater focus on partnerships will be key to ensuring both scientific success and sustainability for the future.