In his opening remarks, Professor Ousman Nyan, Provost of the Medical School and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University welcomed the MRC guests and described GAMIS as ‘one of the few but quite distinguished learned societies in our community.’
Dr Assan Jaye, MRC Immunologist (Viral Diseases Programme) and President of GAMIS, expressed ‘profound pride and honour’ at being able to stand on behalf of GAMIS to donate these books to the Medical School. He described GAMIS as a national professional organisation, open to ‘those interested in developing immunology and immunology methods related to the diseases that affect our region.’

GAMIS is registered with the African Federation of Immunological Societies and affiliated to the International Union of Immunological Societies, based in Germany. GAMIS aims to promote contacts and interactions between medical and laboratory scientists and physicians, leading to better quality research and laboratory techniques. The organisation promotes educational programmes and courses and solicits fellowships and scholarships, with the aim of promoting a proper understanding of immunology and related areas such as molecular biology and genetics.

Membership is open to everyone, irrespective of nationality or sex, and students are highly encouraged to join. Dr Jaye remarked that the bulk of the current membership is composed of MRC junior laboratory technicians, who see membership as an important part of promoting their careers.

The books cover a wide spectrum of topics including laboratory protocols, immunology, molecular biology and genetics. It is hoped that they will be used to upgrade the Medical School’s library and act as a resource for both teachers and students.

Dr Jaye in his concluding remarks, said ‘this is a modest contribution which will serve as a basis for interaction (between GAMIS and the Medical School) and is geared towards uplifting capacity in The Gambia’

Dr Pa Tamba Ngom, MRC Senior Scientific Officer (Nutrition Group) and Secretary General of GAMIS, remarked that ‘GAMIS is open to everyone interested in scientific advancement in The Gambia and Africa - irrespective of nationality or gender…’ He added that GAMIS has written to institutions of higher education and schools in The Gambia offering that GAMIS scientists visit and give talks to students, ‘as a good way to spread interest in science.’
Dr Ngom also stated that GAMIS has links with similar societies around the world, and one of these, the British Society of Immunology (BSI) has already provided support in the form of the books donated by GAMIS to the Medical School. BSI is also planning to offer free online membership to Gambian scientists.

GAMIS Vice President, Dr Martin Ota, Vaccinologist and Immunologist with MRC’s Bacterial Diseases Programme stated that ‘To make an impact in the lives of young people – young Gambians - the best thing is to sow knowledge about science and research.’ Of the society’s willingness to give academic help to the students of the Medical School, he said ‘we can provide support as long as we are here; we consider it very appropriate to support you.’

Mr Bully Camara and Mr Willy Savage, President and Vice President of the Medical Students’ Union and final year students thanked GAMIS on behalf of their colleagues and urged the MRC’s continued support for the young Medical School.