AGP Executive Report

Malaria at work: A new Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa (CAMA) survey across 10 West African countries—including The Gambia—finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, with only 38% reporting some help. The report urges employers to move beyond awareness and build malaria prevention into workplace health plans. Tobacco taxes for health: An ECOWAS technical meeting in Conakry focused on using tobacco excise duty harmonisation to cut smoking harms and raise revenue for health and development. Climate and child diarrhea: A study warns climate change could raise childhood diarrhea risk across sub-Saharan Africa, but everyday factors like access to transport and household assets may reduce the impact. Health mission links to The Gambia: Kamloops-founded charity Medicos en Accion marked 25 years of overseas surgical and hearing-care missions, including work in The Gambia. Water access model spotlight: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kenya’s eWATER approach for rural safe water—relevant to regional lessons for improving water and reducing water-related illness.

Workplace malaria gap: A new Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa survey across 10 West African countries (including The Gambia) found 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, with most rating company commitment as “fair” or “poor,” raising risks for absenteeism and higher health costs. Private sector push: The same report argues there’s a “leadership vacancy” and urges businesses to move from awareness to action by integrating malaria prevention into workplace health and risk plans. Tobacco taxes for health: An ECOWAS technical meeting in Conakry reviewed how harmonised excise duties on tobacco can protect public health while boosting government revenue—highlighting the heavy burden of tobacco deaths and second-hand smoke. Climate & diarrhea risk: A study warns climate change could worsen childhood diarrhoea across sub-Saharan Africa, but notes everyday resilience factors (like access to clean water and basic household resources) may reduce risk. Health-linked migration: Senegal and Mauritania reported intercepting 750+ migrants heading to the Canary Islands, including people in delicate health and minors—underscoring urgent health needs during risky journeys.

Child Health & Water: A new study links climate change to higher childhood diarrhoea risk across sub-Saharan Africa, but finds everyday resilience factors—like vaccination and access to transport—can soften the impact, with researchers analysing thousands of cases from Mali, Kenya and The Gambia. Public Health & Migration: Senegal and Mauritania reported intercepting 750+ migrants heading to the Canary Islands, including people in delicate health and minors—another reminder of the health risks tied to dangerous sea journeys. Health Policy & Tobacco: ECOWAS officials met in Conakry to discuss harmonising excise duties on tobacco as a way to protect public health while raising revenue for development. Health Systems & Access: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kenya’s eWATER model for rural safe water delivery, highlighting community participation, affordable tariffs and treated water access—lessons relevant to improving water-linked health in the region. Gambia Accountability: An explainer on TRRC victims’ next steps notes the Gambia Reparations Commission has disbursed compensation to some eligible victims and is continuing payments.

Child Health & Climate: A new study links climate change to higher childhood diarrhoea risk across sub-Saharan Africa, but finds everyday resilience factors—like access to clean water, transport, and vaccination—can help soften the impact. Water Access: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kenya’s Kirinyaga to benchmark its eWATER model, which expands safe, affordable rural water through community participation, smart taps, and low tariffs—an approach relevant to health outcomes in underserved communities. Public Health & Migration Safety: Senegal and Mauritania reported intercepting and rescuing more than 750 migrants heading toward the Canary Islands, including people in delicate health and minors—highlighting the health risks tied to dangerous sea routes. Gambia Health Policy (Reparations): An explainer on the TRRC’s aftermath notes progress on Gambia reparations, including compensation payments to victims of past human rights abuses, with implications for long-term wellbeing and recovery. Healthcare Access & Rights: A US court ruling struck down a blanket immigrant visa suspension affecting many African countries, potentially easing family reunification for affected applicants.

Climate & Child Health: A new study links climate change to higher childhood diarrhoea risk across sub-Saharan Africa, but finds everyday resilience factors—like vaccination and access to transport—can help soften the impact. Water Access: Kenya’s Kirinyaga county is drawing international attention after a World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited its eWATER model, which expands safe, affordable rural water through smart taps, community participation, and low tariffs. Health & Safety in Banjul: Police in Banjul arrested a suspect over the death of 34-year-old Isatou Elizabeth Mendy after an alleged assault at Oxford Junction; she was pronounced dead on arrival at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. Women’s Health & Education: A report highlights how period poverty keeps girls out of school, noting that in the Gambia some girls miss up to five days each month due to lack of products and sanitary facilities. Breast Cancer Care: A Gambian breast cancer survivor story underscores the real cost of treatment and the support systems that help patients keep going. Policy & Accountability: An explainer reviews what happened to victims after the TRRC process, including the status of reparations payments and progress on recommendations.

Child Health & Climate: A new study warns climate change could raise childhood diarrhea risk across sub-Saharan Africa, but notes everyday protections—like access to clean water, electricity, transportation, and vaccination—can help soften the impact. Water Access (Gambia-relevant): Kirinyaga’s eWATER model (smart taps, household connections, affordable tariffs, and community participation) drew a World Bank and Mozambique delegation for benchmarking—an approach that could inspire safer water delivery in rural communities. Cancer Care (Gambia focus): A breast cancer patient’s story highlights the real cost of treatment and the need for stronger support systems for diagnosis, chemotherapy, and follow-up care. Public Health & Safety: Police in Banjul arrested a suspect over the death of Isatou Elizabeth Mendy after an alleged assault, with the case now under investigation. Health Systems & Accountability: The TRRC victims’ explainer notes progress on reparations payments, underscoring how health and wellbeing are tied to justice and institutional reform. Community Wellness Debate: A recent opinion piece argues for “pool culture” as a preventive health and family wellbeing priority, calling for sensitization and affordable options.

Health & Climate: A new study links climate change to higher childhood diarrhea risk across sub-Saharan Africa, but finds everyday resilience factors—like access to clean water, electricity, transport, and vaccination—can meaningfully reduce the harm. Local Water Access: Kirinyaga’s eWATER model is drawing international attention after a World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited to benchmark its community smart taps, affordable tariffs, and technology-supported water distribution. Cancer Care in Focus: A Gambia-linked breast cancer story highlights the real cost of treatment and the role of workplace and community support in helping patients stay on track. Public Health & Rights: An explainer on The Gambia’s TRRC victims’ next steps reports progress on reparations payments, with compensation already disbursed to some eligible victims. Community Safety: Police in Banjul arrested a suspect over the death of Isatou Elizabeth Mendy, 34, following an alleged assault, with investigations ongoing. Menstrual Health: Coverage on period poverty underscores how lack of products and facilities keeps girls out of school—an issue directly relevant to Gambia’s adolescent health and education.

Safe Water Spotlight: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kirinyaga, Kenya, to benchmark its eWATER model for rural clean water—smart taps and household connections serving about 17,000 people, with treated water at affordable tariffs. Child Health & Climate: New research links climate change to higher childhood diarrhea risk across Africa, but highlights that access to clean water, electricity, transport, and stronger household resilience can reduce the impact. Gambia Health & Justice: An explainer on The Gambia’s TRRC victims updates the status of reparations, noting compensation payments and ongoing implementation steps. Local Health Safety: Police in Banjul arrested a suspect in the death of 34-year-old Isatou Elizabeth Mendy after an alleged assault; she was pronounced dead on arrival at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. Breast Cancer Care: A Gambia breast cancer survivor story spotlights the real cost of treatment and the support systems that help patients continue care.

Water & Health: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kirinyaga, Kenya to benchmark its eWater model, which combines community participation, affordable tariffs, water conservation and smart systems to expand safe, treated water in rural areas—an approach that could offer lessons for Gambia’s own water safety and access efforts. Child Health & Climate: New research links climate change to higher childhood diarrhoea risk across sub-Saharan Africa, but also highlights everyday protective factors like access to clean water, electricity, transport and vaccination. Gambia Accountability: An explainer on The Gambia’s TRRC victims outlines progress on reparations, including compensation payments through the Gambia Reparations Commission. Public Safety (Banjul): Police in Banjul arrested a suspect in connection with the death of Isatou Elizabeth Mendy, 34, after an alleged assault at Oxford Junction; she was pronounced dead on arrival at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. Cancer Care: A feature shares the lived reality of breast cancer in The Gambia, focusing on diagnosis and the cost burden of treatment.

Climate & Child Health: New research links climate change to shifting diarrheal disease risks in sub-Saharan Africa, but says vaccination and stronger access to transport and support can blunt the impact—data includes children in The Gambia. Maternal & Menstrual Health: A report highlights how period poverty is costing girls in The Gambia school days each month, renewing calls for better access to menstrual products and facilities. Cancer Care in Focus: A Gambian breast cancer patient’s story underscores the real-world struggle to afford treatment and the importance of support systems during chemotherapy. Public Health & Sanitation: Foroyaa warns about filthy drainage and muddy water near Jobe Street and the road toward Serekunda School, urging health authorities to act before an outbreak. Health Infrastructure: President Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in CRR North, including an ambulance for Ballanghar Jaloto. Justice & Victims’ Welfare: An explainer on TRRC victims reviews what happened after hearings, including the status of reparations payments and implementation progress. Safety & Investigation: Police in Banjul arrested a suspect in the death of Isatou Elizabeth Mendy after an alleged assault, with investigations ongoing.

Breast Cancer Care in The Gambia: A new report highlights the real-life hurdles Gambian patients face—from spotting symptoms to affording treatment—through the story of a breast cancer survivor who credits colleagues and the National Cancer Control Programme for keeping her going. Child Diarrhea & Climate Change: Researchers say climate-driven shifts in heat and rainfall could worsen diarrheal disease risks for under-fives in Mali, Kenya, and The Gambia, but vaccination and stronger access to services and transport can blunt the impact. Menstrual Health & School Attendance: A piece on period poverty notes that many girls in The Gambia skip school for days each month due to lack of products and sanitary facilities, costing learning time and dignity. Public Health & Sanitation Warning: Foroyaa raises alarm over filthy drainage and footpath conditions in Serekunda/Jobe Street, urging authorities to act before an outbreak. TRRC Victims After Truth: An explainer tracks what happened to Jammeh-era victims after the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, including reparations payments and remaining gaps. Local Health Project Push: President Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including presenting an ambulance to Ballanghar Jaloto.

Health Infrastructure & Access: President Adama Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including presenting an ambulance to Ballanghar Jaloto—aimed at improving access to care. Maternal & Child Health: A report highlights how period poverty is costing girls in The Gambia school days each month, calling for action to improve menstrual products and sanitary facilities. Childhood Diarrhoea & Climate: New research links climate change to shifts in childhood diarrheal disease risk across sub-Saharan Africa, while noting that vaccination and stronger transport and support systems can reduce impacts. Justice & Health Safety: Police in Banjul arrested a suspect in the death of 34-year-old Isatou Elizabeth Mendy after an alleged assault, with the case pending investigation. Transport for Treatment: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie pledged a faster ferry between Banjul and Barra after children raised concerns that unreliable crossings delay patients seeking specialist care. Public Health Warning: Foroyaa urged authorities to address filthy drainage and footpath conditions around Jobe Street and near Serekunda School to prevent preventable outbreaks like cholera.

Public Health & Sanitation: Foroyaa warns of filthy drainage and footpath conditions around Jobe Street and the road toward Serekunda School, where vendors and waste collectors share space with muddy, rotten water—urging authorities to act before an outbreak. Health Infrastructure: President Adama Barrow continues his CRR North tour, inaugurating roads and health projects, including presenting an ambulance to Ballanghar Jaloto and laying foundations for new road and agro-logistics and roads projects. Maternal & Child Health: A new study links climate change to shifts in childhood diarrheal disease risk across Mali, Kenya, and The Gambia, while highlighting how vaccination and socioeconomic resilience can reduce harm. Rights & Accountability: An explainer looks at what happened to victims after The Gambia’s TRRC—covering the status of reparations and the Gambia Reparations Commission’s payments. Justice in Banjul: Police arrested a suspect over the death of Isatou Elizabeth Mendy, 34, after an alleged assault at Oxford Junction; the case remains under investigation. Menstrual Health: A piece on period poverty highlights how girls in The Gambia may skip school for days each month due to lack of products and facilities.

TRRC Reparations Update: An explainer looks at what happened to victims after The Gambia’s TRRC hearings, noting the Gambia Reparations Commission has confirmed full compensation for 112 victims and disbursed GMD24.8 million, with more payments approved. Menstrual Health & Education: A piece highlights how period poverty is costing girls school time in The Gambia, where some miss up to five days monthly due to lack of products and sanitary facilities. Breast Cancer Care in Focus: A survivor story and broader report on breast cancer care in The Gambia underline the struggle to afford treatment and the role of community support. Health Access & Transport: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says a faster Banjul–Barra ferry is coming, after concerns that unreliable crossings delay patients seeking specialist care. Public Health & Sanitation Warning: Foroyaa raises alarm over filthy drainage and footpath conditions around Jobe Street and the road toward Serekunda School, warning that preventable outbreaks can follow poor sanitation. Local Health Projects: President Barrow inaugurates roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including an ambulance for Ballanghar Jaloto. Banjul Death Investigation: Police arrest a suspect in the death of Isatou Elizabeth Mendy, 34, after an alleged assault at Oxford Junction; the case remains under investigation.

Menstrual health & education: A new report highlights how period poverty is costing girls in The Gambia school time—some miss up to five days each month due to lack of affordable products and sanitary facilities, undermining learning and wellbeing. Cancer care in focus: A personal account on breast cancer care in The Gambia shows the real struggle after diagnosis—finding treatment, affording chemotherapy and scans, and relying on community support to keep going. Public health & sanitation: Foroyaa warns about filthy drainage and footpath conditions in Serekunda/Jobe Street areas, where muddy water and waste are left near vendors and workers—urging authorities to act before an outbreak like cholera. Health access & transport: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says a faster ferry is planned to improve Banjul–Barra crossings after delays were linked to patients missing specialist care; he also points to upgrades at Farafenni General Hospital and Essau Health Centre. Infrastructure with health links: President Adama Barrow continues his Central River Region North tour, inaugurating roads and health projects and presenting an ambulance to Ballanghar Jaloto to improve access to services. Climate resilience: The World Bank hands over waste-collection equipment under WACA ResIP II to reduce flooding risks around the Kotu Stream, supporting cleaner, safer conditions for communities. Visa policy impact on health travel: Coverage of the U.S. Visa Bond Program notes it could sharply reduce travel from countries including Gambia—potentially affecting families and professionals who need to travel for medical care and conferences.

Menstrual health & education: A new report highlights how period poverty is costing girls in The Gambia school time—some miss up to five days every month due to lack of affordable products and sanitary facilities. Cancer care access: A Gambian woman’s breast cancer story shows the real-world struggle of paying for diagnosis and treatment, even after chemotherapy begins. Public health & sanitation: Foroyaa warns that filthy drainage and footpaths in Serekunda/Jobe Street areas are creating muddy, rotten-water hotspots that can fuel preventable outbreaks like cholera. Health services in the regions: President Adama Barrow continues a nationwide tour, inaugurating roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including presenting an ambulance to Ballanghar Jaloto. Flood resilience support: The World Bank hands over waste-collection equipment for Kotu Stream flood-prone communities, aiming to cut flooding risks and strengthen climate resilience. Transport for patients: The government pledges a faster ferry for the Banjul–Barra crossing after children’s delegates raised how delays worsen patients’ conditions. Malaria prevention research: A study explores next-gen bed nets that can deliver antiparasitic compounds, targeting malaria transmission even as insecticide resistance grows. Policy watch: The U.S. visa bond program is made permanent, a move that could sharply reduce travel from many African countries—potentially affecting families, including those seeking medical and education visits.