On 20th November 2024, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with funding from Wellcome Trust and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), hosted the Fractures-E3 Investigators and Stakeholders Meeting. The meeting brought together health workers from The Gambia, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, to discuss research findings to be integrated into clinical systems in The Gambia.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Andrew Prentice, Theme Leader for Nutrition and Planetary Health at MRCG at LSHTM, highlighted the Unit’s role in West Africa, leading valuable research that contributes to health policies, programs and scientific advancements. “Our partnership with the Gambia Government is key to realising our mission to improving health outcomes and addressing health challenges in the region,” he remarked.

Professor Kate Ward, Principal Investigator for Fractures-E3 for The Gambia, acknowledged: "We would not have been able to do any of work under this study without the engagement of elderly people in communities. Their involvement has been remarkable. This study has truly put the health of elderly Gambians on the map, alongside our partner countries, Zimbabwe and South Africa."

Addressing the gathering, Musa Camara, Regional Health Director for West Coast Region, representing the Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said: “MRCG has been an important partner to the Ministry of Health. We appreciate them and their partners for leading development initiatives that seek to improve the lives of Gambians.”

Dr Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), highlighted that his institution’s partnership with MRCG at LSHTM brings mutual benefits, fostering growth for both institutions. He stressed the importance of working together contribution to national health policies and global health initiatives.

Dr Kebba S. Marenah, the Clinical Lead for Fractures-E3, underscored the significance of the project in addressing fractures in the elderly, especially in The Gambia. “According to the 2024 census, 3% of the population is over 65, a 25% increase from 2013. Fractures-E3 is an essential contribution to understanding and managing fractures in the elderly, especially as the aging population in The Gambia grows. This issue does not only affect individuals but their families too and extends to the government, which will need to create policies to address the rising costs and care needs," he added. 

The investigators and stakeholders meeting is part of MRCG at LSHTM’s efforts to contribute to advancing research, strengthening health systems and saving lives across the continent.