By Sainabou Sambou
The Gambia Government, through the Office of the Vice President, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has developed “Investment Case” on sexual and reproductive health. The document was launched on Friday, 20th October, 2023 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
The Investment Case details compelling evidence of the need to invest in sexual and reproductive health of women and girls.
Representing the Vice President, Bubacarr Bouy, Minister of Public Service, Policy Coordination and Administrative Reforms, told the gathering that during 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development in 2019 The Gambia made commitment to improving access to utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services including family planning to prevent maternal death and to eliminate gender-based violence.
The UNFPA has outlined 3 significant and transformation objectives to peruse. The Gambia’s ability to attain the transformative results by 20230 hinges on the need to expedite progress by gathering political commitment at all levels”.
He said the investment case provides a compelling argument for potential investors, underscoring positive outcome from the strategic allocations and the deliberate and efficient use of resources for critical priorities. “It serves as a driving force to expedite the achievement of the 3 zeros and allows for a concerted effort towards addressing outstanding issues at national level.
Mr Bouy added that The Gambia investment case provides a clear overview of the required funding flows and financial shortfalls associated with reaching the 3 zeros.
Ms. Ndeye Rose Sarr, UNFPA Gambia Country Representative, said The Gambia Investment Case for sexual and reproductive health, which looks at the three UNFPA transformative results, is a comprehensive document that consist of three breeds and that it is a result of close consultations and collaboration between The Gambia government and UNFPA and other partners.
She said the report emphasised the need to support sustainable financing to support maternal health, family planning and effort to combat gender based violence.
Ms. Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator to The Gambia described the Investment Case for Gambia as a pivotal document that will guide their efforts in the years to come. She said it represents a comprehensive case to get deviance analysis of the challenges and opportunities refered in achieving transformative results in the maternal health , family planning and gender based violence.
“ This issues are not only fundamental to human rights but also key drivers of sustainable development. When we invest in the health well-being of women and girls we are investing in the future of our nation,” she said.
UN Resident Coordinator further noted that the Investment Case is not just a document but a road map for a brighter future. “It will enable us to understand the needs for closing the results gaps in the maternal health, family planning and gender based violence in The Gambia,” she added.
She expressed UN’s full commitment to supporting the Government of The Gambia through its United Nations Sustainable Development framework, “which is aligned to the country’s national development plan.
