By Halimatou Jallow
A technical assessment team from the African Union (AU) has held talks with The Gambia’s Ministry of Health on improving national health service delivery.
The delegation, drawn from the AU’s Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Centre (AU-PCRD), is in the country on a consultative mission to identify priority areas for intervention across key sectors. A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accompanied the team as focal point.
The AU-PCRD provides technical support to member states emerging from conflict, focusing on governance, security sector reform, justice, and basic services, including healthcare.
Officials at the Ministry of Health described the visit as timely, noting its importance in ongoing efforts to build a resilient and inclusive health system capable of reaching all communities.
Permanent Secretary II, Mr. Lamin Dampha, said the engagement supports government’s drive to strengthen the sector and improve service delivery. He added that post-conflict recovery offers an opportunity to rebuild stronger and more inclusive institutions.
He stressed that a reliable health system is critical to national development, warning that progress in sectors such as education and infrastructure depends on accessible healthcare.
Discussions centred on identifying practical and sustainable interventions, with emphasis on local ownership.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to the AU for its continued partnership, noting that the outcome of the consultations will help shape future initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery nationwide.
