Thousands of well-wishers, ex-patients and government officials converged at the International Festival Ground in Kanilai village on Sunday to celebrate the third anniversary of President Jammeh's therapeutic breakthrough in herbal medicine and spiritual power in the cure of HIV/AIDS and other formerly incurable diseases.

The announcement and commencement of the President's Treatment Programme (PTP) in January 2007 had thrown the international community into a practical dilemma as the evidence continued to mount in support of President Jammeh's discoveries. It also startled those who have vested interest in the international drug cartels and their collaborators in the various medical professions.

The evidence of the breakthrough, having been verified and certified by credible laboratories around the world had been rightly interpreted by Gambian medical authorities according to the data supplied by these laboratories. Patients who underwent the President's treatment were first diagnosed with AIDS, chronic asthma, diabetes, hypertension and infertility by the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital. This diagnosis included the use of blood tests samples and other associated tests.

Having been identified as positive, these patients who already belonged to support groups declared themselves publicly, to go through the PTP. After the prescribed period of the treatment, blood samples of these patients and supplementary tests are sent abroad for certification of the efficacy of the treatment.

Beneficiaries of the PTP at this year's anniversary celebration gave testimonies of their ordeal as well as narrating the worst nightmares they faced before their quest of the PTP. They also articulated their deepest gratitude to President Jammeh and prayed that Allah, in His infinite mercy "grant President Jammeh good health with a long life''.

Fatou Kaw, an ex HIV/AIDS patient said, "I was isolated and often discriminated against by my neighbors and I could hardly come out of my house. Now I thank Oga (President Jammeh) for his kindness and love for humankind. I am now open to people of all ethnic groups and am self-confident and healthy to carry on with my life'', Fatou Kaw recounted.

Ex-asthma patient Sirra Jarju, told the gathering that before she undertook the PTP, she was unable to do her domestic work due to her condition, and pointed out with delight that "this is now part of my life history''.

Sainabou Njie, who was treated for hypertension said she had "travelled to many countries in the West African sub-region seeking for cure to no avail. Since I took President Jammeh's treatment, my health is now restored and I can carry out my business because am now very active'', she noted.

Fatou Jaiteh, a former infertility patient disclosed that her mother had sacrificed a lot for her to conceive but to no benefit. "People including my husband's family advised my husband to marry a second wife because they thought I will never be able to become pregnant. God helped me after taking President Jammeh's herbal medicine. I became pregnant and it is a dream come true'', said Fatou Jaiteh as she let the gathering see her baby.

Other beneficiaries who narrated their tribulations included the National Assembly member for Kombo East, Honourable Lamin Bojang, who had been treated and cured of diabetes. He joined others in expressing their unreserved gratefulness to President Jammeh for coming to their aid, noting that they had gone through "very difficult times before taking the herbal medicine''.

The celebration was characterized by a march past by beneficiaries and staff nurses of the PTP, school children and youth organizations. Marching past the President were beneficiaries of the infertility treatment program who carried their babies as they exhibited them with joy and gratitude. Musicians and cultural troupes entertained the gathering while theater and drama groups performed plays depicting the predicament of the various categories of recipients of the PTP.

In his keynote address, President Yahya Jammeh announced his discovery of the Herbal Therapy for patients with stroke, sickle cell, diabetes, and arthritis, saying he had been successfully treating patients with such diseases. He assured those already suffering from stroke and are paralyzed to come forward and benefit from his treatment. President Jammeh disclosed that his herbal medicine can prevent one from having a stroke in a situation where one is likely to have it.

"We can effectively cure arthritis'' the President revealed, "No matter how old you are we can treat your arthritis'', declared President Jammeh.

The President also disclosed that sickle cell, a deadly disease that scared people, is no longer a myth that cannot be busted. He divulged that so far eight patients have already been diagnosed, treated and cured of sickle cell. The Gambian leader also revealed that his medicine can treat all types of stomach problems "be it ulcer or any other stomach disorder''. The President added that this particular treatment "has been proven seven times''.

Emphasizing the effectiveness of his herbal healing, President Jammeh informed the gathering that he ensures that the treatment is first carried out on trial phases and that the successful outcome always precedes the publicly announced of the breakthrough.

In this regard, President Jammeh proclaimed that "by the grace of The Almighty Allah'', the 4th anniversary celebration of the breakthrough in 2012 will witness the announcement of eight new discoveries. He commended beneficiaries of the PTP, especially the first batch of HIV/AIDS for their trust and confidence in him and all those who in one way or another supported the treatment program.

The Gambian leader returned thanks to The Almighty Allah and reaffirmed his commitment to the cause of humanity. President Jammeh explained that his herbal treatment program is meant purely to salvage humanity. He noted that though the treatment is expensive he does it free of charge.

The Director General of the PTP, Dr. Tamsir Mbowe said President Jammeh joined in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other complicated diseases solely to help the human race regardless of origin or denomination but not to gain fame or wealth.