The MRC Unit: The Gambia is building upon its international reputation for ground-breaking research into some of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the tropics. Capitalising on the strengths that have led to some of the most outstanding successes in tropical medicine, the Unit’s vision is to Lead scientific research to save lives and improve health across the developing world. Ties with collaborative centres within The Gambia and in the West African sub-region are strengthening the realisation of this vision.
The Medical Research Council (UK) is providing generous financial support for a “Research Platform” that includes 300 clinical, scientific, technical and administrative staff in The Gambia, Senegal and Guinea Bissau. This Research Platform is the framework (infrastructure, Clinical Services and well equipped laboratories) for the support of internationally competitive, externally funded research into three Themes: Child Survival; Vaccinology; and Disease Control & Elimination.
Building on the Unit’s unique resources, the Themes aim to address national and global health needs; to further strengthen sub-regional and international links; and to tackle some of the UN Millennium Development Health Goals, particularly the goal of reducing childhood mortality by two thirds by the year 2015.
DISEASE CONTROL & ELIMINATIONIn recent times, several diseases have reduced very markedly in incidence in The GambiaLearn more 
CHILD SURVIVALIn common with most developing countries, The Gambia has high infant and child mortality rates Learn more