The Gambia News

Kanifing, The Gambia – As the world marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025, Dr Nathan Bakyaita, WHO Representative to The Gambia, has issued a call for stronger collaboration, increased investment, and bold action to eliminate TB.

This year’s theme, "YES! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver," emphasizes the need for sustained commitment to tackle the disease. Dr. Bakyaita stressed the importance of leveraging global momentum and building on The Gambia’s existing TB control initiatives.

Banjul -The Gambia, certified free of Indigenous wild poliovirus (WPV) in 2004, continues its vigilance against polio resurgence following the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in 2021 and 2024 through environmental surveillance. In response, the country successfully implemented supplementary immunization campaigns, achieving over 95% coverage to curb potential outbreaks.

Tendaba, The Gambia - In a concerted effort to address the rising tide of cancer cases in The Gambia, the World Health Organization (WHO) is spearheading a landmark initiative to develop the nation's maiden cancer control strategy. Amidst this endeavor, a pivotal four-day meeting of experts is currently underway at Tendaba Camp in the Lower Region, marking a crucial milestone in The Gambia's fight against cancer.

North Bank Region, The Gambia - The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a transformative Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to combat Schistosomiasis in The Gambia, with significant support from the Merck Praziquantel Donation Programme. This initiative is a critical step in addressing one of the most persistent Neglected Tropical Diseases affecting the country.

Banjul, The Gambia - In a poignant celebration marking World Malaria Day, WHO Gambia joined hands with the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) and other key stakeholders to underscore the ongoing battle against malaria. Held at the National Malaria Control Programme complex in Kanifing, the event, themed "Advancing Health Equity, Gender Equality, and Human Rights," focused on the critical need for equitable malaria services amidst the disease's resurgence globally.

Banjul, The Gambia - In a landmark initiative aimed at bolstering healthcare infrastructure and regulatory capacity in West Africa, the WHO country offices in The Gambia recently convened a groundbreaking workshop on clinical trial assessment for the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) of The Gambia, Liberia's Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority, and Sierra Leone's Pharmacy Board.

Banjul, The Gambia - In a significant stride towards bolstering healthcare initiatives in The Gambia, the World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed Dr. Jane Maina as its new interim Country Representative. Dr. Maina's arrival marks a pivotal moment in the nation's healthcare trajectory, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise garnered from her extensive career in health emergency operations.

Farato, The Gambia - Public health leaders from across The Gambia gathered at the Farato Health Centre on Sunday to commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action to combat the persistent threat of TB in Africa. The event, attended by esteemed representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), highlighted both progress made and challenges faced in the ongoing battle against this infectious disease.

Banjul, The Gambia - In a poignant ceremony held at the State House in the country's capital, His Excellency President Adama Barrow bid farewell to Dr. Desta Tiruneh, the outgoing World Health Organization (WHO) representative in The Gambia. The event, attended with select WHO staff members, celebrated Dr. Tiruneh's transformative leadership during his tenure in the country.

Banjul, The Gambia - In a heartfelt gesture of recognition and gratitude, Dr. Desta Tiruneh, the esteemed WHO Representative for Gambia since 2017, was bid farewell with sincere regards by His Excellency, Vice President Muhammad B. S. Jallow, ahead of his departure from The Gambia to Zimbabwe to undertake his new role as WHO Country Representative. This significant dispatch marks the end of Dr. Tiruneh's tenure in The Gambia, where he has left an indelible mark on the nation's health landscape.