AGP Executive Report

Emergency Care Upgrade: FaBB Foundation commissioned the first Accident & Emergency (A&E) Unit at Bansang General Hospital, aiming to cut delays for emergency patients who previously had to travel to Banjul or Kanifing. HIV Services Closer to People: The Ministry of Health, with WHO support, is expanding differentiated HIV service delivery across 77 facilities to help more people start treatment and stay on care. Regional Health Security Boost: WAHO and AfDB handed over 10 ambulances and major medical equipment to strengthen The Gambia’s emergency response and diagnostics. Women’s Health & Rights in Court: The Supreme Court’s FGM case continues, with expert testimony heard and proceedings adjourned to July 14—highlighting links between legal protection, public health, and child safety. Mosquito Control Breakthrough: Ugandan catnip lotion (6% oil) reportedly repels mosquitoes as well as DEET, offering a more affordable option for malaria-risk evenings. Health Tech for Disability: A 3D scanning/printing pilot in The Gambia targets faster, more precise prosthetic socket production for amputees. Public Health Through Human Rights: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution linking neglected tropical diseases to human rights, with The Gambia among key African backers. Sauna for Longevity: A new push argues for making sauna access affordable and available beyond tourism, with district-level targets.

Emergency Care Upgrade: FaBB Foundation commissioned the first-ever Accident & Emergency (A&E) Unit at Bansang General Hospital, aiming to cut delays for emergency patients who previously had to travel to Banjul or Kanifing. Regional Health Security Boost: WAHO and AfDB handed over 10 ambulances and major medical equipment worth about $3.4m to strengthen The Gambia’s emergency response and diagnostics. HIV Care Closer to People: The Ministry of Health, with WHO support, is expanding differentiated HIV service delivery across 77 facilities to help more people start treatment earlier and improve viral suppression. HIV Program Details: A WHO-backed approach targets barriers like distance and fragmented services, supported by training for health workers and lay counsellors. Disability Inclusion Push: SOS Children’s Villages and partners called for greater inclusion of children with disabilities, including a major disability awareness march and a new initiative to bridge support gaps. FGM Legal Turning Point: The Supreme Court heard expert evidence in the FGM case and adjourned proceedings to July 14, with major implications for women’s rights and public health protections. Prosthetics Innovation: A 3D scanning and printing pilot for prosthetic sockets is underway in The Gambia, testing faster, more precise, and potentially cheaper production. Road Safety Aftermath: A deadly Guinea crash involving a Gambian-registered passenger vehicle left seven dead and 13 injured, renewing concerns about cross-border transport safety. Global NTD Rights Move: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution recognizing neglected tropical diseases as a human rights issue, with The Gambia among the leading African states. Mosquito Protection Research: Ugandan catnip-based lotion showed strong mosquito-repellent results in trials, offering a locally made alternative to costly imported DEET.

Accident & Emergency Upgrade: FaBB Foundation commissioned the first-ever Accident & Emergency (A&E) Unit at Bansang General Hospital, a major step to bring faster emergency care closer to people in the Central River Region. HIV Care Closer to Home: WHO-supported differentiated service delivery is helping reduce delays for people testing HIV-positive, with integrated services now running across 77 health facilities. Emergency Response Boost: WAHO and AfDB handed over 10 fully equipped ambulances and medical equipment worth about $3.4m to strengthen The Gambia’s emergency and diagnostic capacity. Disability Inclusion: SOS Children’s Villages and partners launched a disability inclusion push for children, including a new initiative to bridge support gaps for children with disabilities and their families. FGM Rights in Court: The Supreme Court heard expert evidence in the FGM ban case and adjourned to July 14, with the ruling seen as a turning point for women’s rights and child protection. Global Health & Rights: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution linking neglected tropical diseases to human rights, with The Gambia among the driving African states. Prosthetics Innovation: A 3D scanning and printing pilot aims to speed up prosthetic socket production in The Gambia, targeting more accurate, lower-cost fittings. Health System Safety & Trust: Reports of threats against medical personnel exposing sexual abuse were raised in regional governance discussions, with calls for urgent, transparent action.

Emergency Care Upgrade: WAHO and AfDB handed The Gambia 10 fully equipped ambulances plus critical medical equipment in a $3.4m boost to strengthen emergency response and regional health security. Hospital Access: FaBB Foundation commissioned the first-ever Accident & Emergency (A&E) Unit at Bansang General Hospital, aiming to cut delays for emergency patients who previously had to travel to Banjul or Kanifing. HIV Services Closer to People: WHO-supported differentiated service delivery is expanding integrated HIV care across 77 facilities, targeting the gap where about 30% of people diagnosed with HIV don’t start treatment immediately. Prosthetics Innovation: STAND launched a 3D scanning and printing pilot for prosthetic socket production in The Gambia, testing faster, more precise fitting for amputees. Rights & Health: The Supreme Court’s FGM case continues with expert medical evidence, while UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution linking neglected tropical diseases to human rights—an issue The Gambia is part of pushing forward. Road Safety Alert: A Gambian-registered passenger crash in Guinea killed seven and injured 13, renewing concerns over cross-border transport safety.

HIV Care Access: The Gambia is rolling out differentiated HIV service delivery, integrating care into 77 facilities and training health workers to help more people start treatment earlier and achieve viral suppression. Neglected Tropical Diseases & Rights: The UN Human Rights Council adopted the first-ever resolution linking human rights and neglected tropical diseases, with The Gambia among the African states leading the push. Police Clinic Upgrades: Africmed International Hospital donated oxygen and diabetes testing equipment to the Gambia Police Force clinic in Banjul, aiming to strengthen emergency care for officers and families. Prosthetics Innovation: A 3D scanning and printing pilot in The Gambia targets faster, more precise prosthetic socket production to improve comfort and reduce production costs. Road Safety (Cross-Border): A crash in Guinea involving a Gambian-registered passenger vehicle killed seven and injured 13, renewing concerns about safety along the Gambia–Guinea–Sierra Leone transport corridor. Public Health Environment: A report questions whether recent plastic bag enforcement spending is translating into lasting behavior change, as plastics remain widely visible.

Health & Rights at UN: The UN Human Rights Council adopted the first-ever resolution linking human rights and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with The Gambia among the African states leading the push—highlighting how unsafe water, poor sanitation, housing, discrimination and limited healthcare fuel NTDs and how the diseases drive stigma, exclusion and lost income. Police Clinic Care Boost: Africmed International Hospital donated lifesaving medical equipment to the Gambia Police Force Police Clinic in Banjul, including oxygen cylinders, glucose monitoring machines and test strips, a nebuliser, oxygen masks, and a wheelchair—weeks after an ambulance donation. Malaria Vaccine Milestone: Irish scientist Sir Adrian Hill won the European Inventor Award 2026 for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, with trials reporting about 75–80% protection. FGM Legal Pressure: The Gambia’s Supreme Court is set to rule on a challenge to the national FGM ban, raising fears for survivors and families as protections for girls could be affected. Digital Prosthetics Pilot: STAND launched a 3D scanning and printing pilot in The Gambia to produce prosthetic sockets faster and more precisely, aiming to improve access for amputees. Mold in Buildings: A new report warns that “beautiful” buildings across The Gambia may be harming health through mold exposure, urging more attention to visible and hidden dampness risks.

UN Human Rights & NTDs: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution recognizing neglected tropical diseases as a human rights issue, urging action beyond medicines to tackle unsafe water, sanitation, housing, education gaps, discrimination and exclusion. Gambia Health Tech: A British charity STAND launched a 3D scanning and printing pilot in The Gambia to produce prosthetic sockets more accurately and faster, aiming to improve access for amputees. Malaria Vaccine Boost: Irish scientist Sir Adrian Hill won the European Inventor Award 2026 for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, with trials showing around 75–80% protection. Police Clinic Care: Africmed International Hospital donated oxygen and diabetes monitoring equipment to the Gambia Police Clinic, strengthening emergency response and routine care for officers and families. China-Gambia Medical Support: China rotated new medical teams to The Gambia for a 12-month mission at EFSTH, including clinical services, outreach clinics and free medical camps. Health Policy Watch: The Gambia Supreme Court is set to rule on the FGM ban challenge, raising concerns for survivors and girls’ legal protections.

Prosthetics Innovation: British charity STAND has launched a 3D scanning and printing pilot in The Gambia to speed up and improve prosthetic socket production, aiming for more precise fits and lower costs. Malaria Vaccine Spotlight: Irish scientist Sir Adrian Hill won the European Inventor Award 2026 for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, with trials showing about 75–80% protection. Health Support for Police: Africmed International Hospital donated lifesaving medical equipment to the Gambia Police Clinic, including oxygen and blood glucose monitoring tools, building on a recent ambulance donation. Women’s Health & Rights: The Gambia Supreme Court is set to rule on a challenge to the national FGM ban, raising fears for survivors and protection for girls. Health Workforce Cooperation: China’s 23rd and 24th medical teams rotated into The Gambia, with the next team based at EFSTH in Banjul for 12 months of clinical services and outreach. Global Health Policy: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution on neglected tropical diseases, linking them to inequality and access to safe water, sanitation, and housing.

FGM Legal Challenge: The Gambia Supreme Court is set to rule on a challenge to the 2015 FGM ban on July 8, with survivors fearing legal protections for girls could weaken. Police Clinic Care Boost: Africmed International Hospital donated lifesaving medical equipment to the Gambia Police Force Police Clinic in Banjul, including oxygen and blood glucose monitoring tools, to strengthen emergency and routine care for officers and families. Health Cooperation: China’s 23rd and 24th medical teams rotate into The Gambia for a 12-month mission at EFSTH in Banjul, with daily clinical services, outreach clinics, and malaria prevention support. Malaria Vaccine Win: Irish scientist Sir Adrian Hill received the European Inventor Award 2026 for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, highlighting stronger protection shown in trials. Youth & Skills Link: GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe urged young Gambians at the National Career Fest to pair education with discipline and practical skills for employment and national development.

Health Cooperation: China’s medical teams rotation ceremony in Banjul highlights ongoing support for EFSTH, including cardiology, obstetrics, surgery, critical care and malaria prevention, with 12-month clinical services plus outreach clinics. Police Health Support: Africmed International Hospital donated oxygen and diabetes testing equipment, a nebuliser and wheelchair to the Gambia Police Clinic, strengthening emergency care for officers and families after an earlier ambulance donation. Malaria Vaccine Boost: Irish scientist Sir Adrian Hill won the European Inventor Award 2026 for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, with trials reporting around 75–80% protection—good news for malaria control in the region. Youth & Skills for Health Systems: GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe urged young Gambians at the National Career Fest to build discipline and job-ready skills, linking education to national development and public services like hospitals. Women’s Health & Rights: Supreme Court deliberations on The Gambia’s FGM ban are raising urgent fears among mothers about whether daughters will stay protected by law. Food Safety: A national audit found weak enforcement by the FSQA—only 1 out of 519 unsafe-food cases led to a fine—raising concerns for safer markets.

FGM Legal Pressure: Gambian mothers are bracing for the Supreme Court’s ruling on the FGM ban, fearing daughters could still be cut despite the law. Health Equipment Boost: Africmed International Hospital donated oxygen and diabetes testing supplies to the Gambia Police Clinic in Banjul, following an earlier ambulance donation to strengthen emergency and routine care for officers and families. Malaria Vaccine Win: Irish scientist Sir Adrian Hill received the European Inventor Award 2026 for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, which showed about 75–80% protection in clinical trials. Plastic Ban Reality Check: New reporting questions whether recent plastic bag enforcement spending is translating into lasting behavior change, as plastics remain visible in markets and streets. Youth & Jobs Focus: GRA Commissioner General called for stronger youth empowerment through education and skills, linking tax revenue to funding services like hospitals and schools. Health Cooperation: A 24th Chinese medical team arrived in Banjul to support health services at EFSTH, including surgery, pediatrics, critical care, ultrasound, and outreach clinics.

Health Tech & Access: Africmed International Hospital donated lifesaving medical equipment to the Gambia Police Clinic in Banjul—oxygen cylinders, glucose monitors and test strips, nebuliser and masks, plus a wheelchair—aimed at improving emergency response and routine care for officers and their families. Malaria Vaccine Breakthrough: Irish scientist Sir Adrian Hill won the European Inventor Award 2026 for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, reporting about 75–80% protection in clinical trials and highlighting the vaccine’s potential for wider use in endemic settings. Public Health Governance: The National Audit Office flagged weak enforcement by the Food Safety and Quality Authority, finding only 1 fine out of 519 unsafe-food cases—raising concerns about accountability in food safety. Youth & Skills: GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe urged youth empowerment through education and skills at the National Career Fest 2026, stressing that tax revenue underpins public services like health and education. Environment & Compliance: A report questions the cost and effectiveness of recent plastic ban enforcement, noting plastic bags remain widely visible despite intensive spending. Regional Health Cooperation: A 24th Chinese medical team arrived in Banjul to boost health cooperation, with services planned at EFSTH including clinical care, emergency support, screenings, and outreach clinics.

Clinical Research Boost: Nigeria’s ATBUTH Clinical Trial Centre was commissioned by Health and Social Welfare Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, alongside the flag-off of emergency obstetric and newborn care equipment and delivery kits, aiming to strengthen ethical trials, training, and local evidence for vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics. Maternal & Newborn Care: The same visit included inspections of ATBUTH infrastructure and support for emergency obstetric and newborn services, a direct step toward better outcomes for mothers and babies. Food Safety Accountability: The National Audit Office says The Gambia’s Food Safety and Quality Authority weakly enforces unsafe-food rules—only 1 fine came from 519 sampled cases—highlighting a major gap in protecting consumers. Workplace Health & Safety: A training-of-trainers workshop led by the Registrar General’s Department focused on using innovation and intellectual property tools to prevent work-related injuries and occupational diseases. Disability Rights Implementation: NODO is urging full enforcement of The Gambia’s Disability Act 2021, especially the 3% public-sector job reservation, warning that barriers remain in employment, education, and healthcare. GRA Digital Tax for Better Services: The Gambia Revenue Authority launched a pilot electronic invoicing system to cut paperwork, improve compliance, and support revenue for public services including healthcare and education.

Clinical Research Boost: Nigeria’s ATBUTH has commissioned a new Clinical Trial Centre to strengthen ethical, evidence-based care and support research into diseases, including vaccines. Public Health & Safety: The Gambia’s Food Safety watchdog is facing serious scrutiny after an audit found only 1 fine from 519 unsafe-food cases, with weak enforcement and limited penalties. Health System Access: A new emergency treatment centre has been opened in Farato, as government pushes to improve urgent care capacity. Maternal & Child Health: Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care equipment and delivery kits were flagged off during a health ministry visit, aiming to improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Women’s Health & Education: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to help tackle period poverty and keep schoolgirls in class. Disability Rights: NODO is calling for full implementation of The Gambia’s Disability Act 2021, warning key provisions like the 3% public-sector job quota are not being enforced. Tax Administration (Health Link): GRA is piloting electronic invoicing to improve compliance and revenue—supporting future investment in services including healthcare.

Public Health Tech: ECOWAS RCSDC handed The Gambia a Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management system to track community rumours and misinformation during health emergencies, boosting faster, clearer risk communication. Food Safety Accountability: A National Audit Office review found weak enforcement by the Food Safety and Quality Authority—only 1 out of 519 unsafe-food cases led to a fine, raising concerns about protection for consumers. Health Workforce Funding: Parliament approved a $37.5m deal to expand the University of The Gambia School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, aiming to grow and improve training capacity. Disability Rights Push: NODO leaders renewed calls to fully implement the Disability Act 2021, saying key provisions like the 3% public-sector job quota are not being enforced. Women’s Health & Education: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to help tackle period poverty and keep schoolgirls in class. Malaria Vaccine Spotlight: Irish scientist Adrian Hill won a European Inventor Award for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, with strong trial protection and potential for wider rollout.

Medical Education & Research: The University of Nairobi has appointed Prof Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi as the first female Professor of Medical Microbiology, after training in the UK, The Gambia, and at MIT and Harvard—an inspiring milestone for African women in science. Malaria Vaccine Spotlight: Irish vaccinologist Prof Adrian Hill won the European Inventor Award (Research) for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, citing strong trial protection and relevance to children most affected by malaria in Africa. Food Safety Accountability: The National Audit Office says The Gambia’s food safety regulator (FSQA) weakly enforces unsafe food rules—only 1 fine came from 519 sampled cases, raising concerns about public risk. Public Health Emergency Readiness: ECOWAS RCSDC handed The Gambia a Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management system to track community rumours and misinformation during health emergencies, aiming to improve trust and response. Health Workforce Expansion: Parliament approved a $37.5m financing deal to expand UTG’s School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, boosting training capacity for the health sector. Disability Rights Implementation: NODO leaders renewed calls to fully implement The Gambia’s Disability Act 2021, warning that key provisions like the 3% public job quota are not being enforced. Women’s Health & Dignity: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to support schoolgirls, targeting period poverty and helping reduce absenteeism. Digital Governance for Services: GRA launched a pilot electronic invoicing system to modernise tax administration, with expected benefits for transparency and public service funding.