By Isatou Fofana
In a significant development, the government of Japan recently facilitated the transfer of vital nutrition supplies to the Ministry of Health, through UNICEF, worth over 145,000 dollars, to support the treatment of severely malnourished under-five children.
These life-saving supplies include 2,500 cartons of ready-to-use Therapeutic food, 100 cartons of F75 milk, and 100 cartons of F100 milk which are to be delivered to health facilities across the country.
The UNICEF country representative Ms Nafisa Binte Shafique, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for supporting the procurement of these life-saving supplies to support the treatment of more than 2,500 under-five children with severe acute malnutrition.
“This initiative highlights the critical role of international cooperation in addressing nutritional deficiencies and enhancing the overall health of vulnerable populations, particularly children and mothers”, she added.
Mr. Omar Jah is the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Health. He described the gesture from Japan as commendable and a step towards alleviating malnutrition in The Gambia.
The move, he said “marks a pivotal moment in The Gambia’s ongoing efforts to combat malnutrition, a pressing issue that affects many communities”.
The counsellor at the Embassy of Japan, H.E Shinichi Hirose assured that Japan is committed to international assistance, particularly in the areas of health and nutrition reflecting on their dedication to sustainable development goals.
The role of nutritious food and supplements cannot be overstated, as they are essential in preventing stunted growth and promoting healthy development in children.
The supplies provided through this collaboration are expected to bolster the existing health framework in the country, enabling healthcare providers to deliver enhanced services to those in need.
