By Isatou Fofana
The Ministry of Health of The Gambia, in partnership the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently held a joint external evaluation meeting to systematically design, assess, and measure the country’s health systems and infrastructure against the benchmark established by the WHO.
The insights and recommendations generated from this evaluation will serve as a vital roadmap for future initiatives aimed at enhancing public health security in The Gambia
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Jane Maina, WHO Representative in The Gambia, praised the government’s dedication to strengthening its health systems. “The Joint External Evaluation is not merely a review but a critical step in ensuring that The Gambia can effectively safeguard its population against health threats; whether infectious diseases, chemical hazards, or other public health emergencies. WHO is committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in building robust systems for health security.”
Madam Adama Drammeh, the Permanent Secretary 2 at the Ministry of Health, emphasised the value of the Joint External Evaluation in identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
“We are living in a world of increasing health challenges; from emerging diseases to natural disasters. Our ability to respond quickly and effectively to health threats is paramount to protecting the health and well-being of every Gambian. This evaluation will guide us in addressing vulnerabilities and enhancing our health security,” she noted.
The evaluation exercise is also expected to foster collaboration among key stakeholders, including government departments, health institutions, and development partners, ensuring that the country’s preparedness aligns with international best practices.
The Director of Public Health, Dr. Buba Manjang, expressed optimism about the outcomes of the evaluation. “The joint evaluation provides an opportunity for us to take stock of where we stand regarding our public health capacities. It will enable us take strategic steps towards improving our preparedness and ensure that The Gambia is well-positioned to address current and future health threats.”
He went on: “As the evaluation process continues, the Ministry of Health and WHO will work closely to produce actionable recommendations to strengthen The Gambia’s health security framework. The findings will inform future investments in health systems and guide national policy, ensuring that the country is better prepared to face any public health challenge”.
A team of experts from WHO are astakeholders, including technical experts, health officials, and representatives from partner organisations to evaluate current capabilities across various domains, such as disease surveillance, laboratory systems, emergency response mechanisms, and risk communications.
