As The Unit has a proud history of improving human health through world-class medical research. The MRC Unit The Gambia, launched its MRC and Me Wellbeing Programme in Fajara on the 21st July and subsequently in Keneba on the 16th of September, to promote health and wellbeing in and outside the workplace for all MRC staff and their families. The employee Wellbeing Programme reflects this commitment and aims to utilise the innovation, expertise and knowledge that exist with the MRC family to improve the health and wellbeing of it’s staff. The launching was attended by over 500 staffs, including The Unit Director, Professor Umberto D’Allessandro, Director of Operations, Joan Vivestomas, Physiotherapist, Saul Sowe, the volleyball team from The Gambia Armed Forces, Wellbeing champions and MRC staff.

As part of the launching of the well being programme, in his opening remarks, The Unit Director, Professor Umberto D’Alessandro, said “Non Communicable Diseases are the biggest burden of diseases globally, and as such, The Unit’s goal is to encourage initiatives and events that promote health and wellbeing and create a positive environment that supports healthy lifestyle choices”. Introducing the MRC & Me Wellbeing Programme, Joan Vivestomas, Director of operations who leads the Wellbeing Programme thanked everyone present and assured staff of managements' commitment towards the wellbeing of it’s employees.

The wellbeing portal was presented by Mr. Fanding Njie, Webmaster, who introduced the facilities available on the portal which includes BMI calculator, weight calculator, loan repayment calculator, and staff doctor appointment bookings.

The staff Doctor, Dr. Chibuike N. Okpara also delivered a talk on “My Health, My Well Being” as he defined health as a complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing. He also emphasised the importance of balancing the state of mind to increase staff wellbeing thereby reducing non-communicable diseases.

To incorporate exercise into our daily activities, the Physiotherapist, Saul Sowe, ecouraged all present at the launching to embark on a short exercise to increase blood circulation, relax muscles and joints, which staff can easily do at work.

Wellbeing champions were introduced and each champion had the opportunity to talk about their specific areas that they are passionately leading and encouraged staff to sign up and try new activities. Look out for the 2016 launch in Basse!