AGP Executive Report

Health & Transport: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says the government will introduce a faster ferry to improve the Banjul–Barra crossing, after children raised how unreliable trips delay patients seeking specialist care. Flood & Waste Management: The World Bank has invested US$45m to cut flooding and boost climate resilience, handing waste-collection equipment to Kanifing and Brikama councils for communities along the Kotu Stream flood hotspot. Roads & Access to Care: President Adama Barrow continues a nationwide tour, inaugurating roads and health-linked projects in Central River Region North, including an ambulance handover and new road foundations meant to improve access to markets, schools and health services. Polio Immunisation Research: New work on co-administration of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 and bivalent oral polio vaccine highlights ongoing challenges and implications for the polio eradication endgame. Malaria Update: Scientists report climate change could shift malaria into new regions, with Kenya and other areas expected to see rising transmission as rainfall and temperatures change. Sports Health: Ghana’s Kamaldeen Sulemana is set to miss up to three months after a grade-two MCL tear in his left knee, affecting his availability for upcoming qualifiers.

Roads & Health Access: President Adama Barrow continues his nationwide development push, inaugurating roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including an ambulance handover to Ballanghar Jaloto and new road foundations meant to connect farmers, schools, and healthcare. Flood & Waste Management: The World Bank invested US$45m to cut flooding and boost climate resilience, with waste-collection equipment handed to Kanifing and Brikama councils for Kotu Stream flood hotspots. Transport for Care: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says a faster ferry will improve the Banjul–Barra crossing after children raised concerns that delays can worsen patients’ conditions. Polio & Malaria Updates: New research highlights a malaria control approach that targets the parasite inside mosquitoes, while polio coverage discussions stress ongoing challenges as vaccine-derived strains remain a concern. Community Health & Services: Barrow’s tour also includes road openings and health-centre support across regions, reinforcing access to services and emergency care.

Health & Transport Access: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says The Gambia will introduce a faster ferry to improve the Banjul–Barra crossing, after children at the 2026 Children’s National Assembly raised how unreliable ferries delay patients seeking specialist care. Climate Resilience & Flood Risk: The World Bank invested US$45m to cut flooding and boost climate resilience, with waste-collection equipment handed to Kanifing and Brikama councils for Kotu Stream flood hotspots. Primary Health Support: President Barrow’s tour included health-focused delivery in Central River Region North, including an ambulance presentation to Ballanghar Jaloto and continued upgrades to local health posts. Disease Research (Global): A new malaria study suggests bed nets can be used to deliver anti-parasite compounds after mosquito contact, aiming to help where insecticide resistance is rising. Malaria Forecast (Global): Scientists warn climate change may shift malaria into new regions, potentially increasing childhood malaria in East and southern Africa. Polio Immunisation (Global): New analysis reviews why polio eradication is still incomplete, highlighting the role of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. Injury & Care (Sports): Gambian players face setbacks abroad—Atalanta’s Kamaldeen Sulemana is expected to be out up to three months after an MCL tear, while Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh is awaiting a scan after a right-leg injury.

Health & Transport: President Adama Barrow’s week-long tour reached Central River Region North, where he inaugurated new roads and backed health access with the presentation of an ambulance to Ballanghar Jaloto, plus foundation stones for road links meant to connect communities to markets, schools and care. Climate Resilience: The World Bank approved US$45m for The Gambia under WACA ResIP II to cut flooding risks, with waste-collection equipment handed to Kanifing and Brikama councils for flood-prone Kotu Stream settlements. Health Systems & Access: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie announced a faster Banjul–Barra ferry after children’s delegates raised concerns that unreliable crossings delay patients seeking specialist treatment, while noting upgrades at Farafenni General Hospital and Essau Health Centre. Malaria Research: A new study highlights a malaria-control approach that targets the parasite inside mosquitoes using treated bed nets, aiming to help where insecticide resistance is weakening traditional nets. Public Health Watch: Scientists warn climate change may shift malaria into new regions, with Kenya among places expected to see rising transmission as rainfall and temperatures change. Sports Health: Gambian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana faces up to three months out after a grade-two MCL tear, underscoring how injuries can disrupt both club plans and national team schedules.

Transport & Access to Care: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says a faster ferry will soon improve the Banjul–Barra link, after children’s delegates raised concerns that unreliable crossings delay patients seeking specialist treatment. Climate & Flood Risk: The World Bank approved US$45m for The Gambia under WACA ResIP II to cut flooding and boost climate resilience, including waste-collection equipment for councils along the Kotu Stream flood hotspot. Health Innovation (Malaria): Scientists report a new malaria-control approach using bed nets that don’t rely only on killing mosquitoes, aiming to disrupt the parasite inside the insect—relevant as insecticide resistance grows. Polio Immunisation Strategy: New analysis reviews co-administration of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 with bivalent OPV, focusing on practical challenges for the polio eradication endgame. Community Health & Gender: MENFYD mentors about 300 girls through life stories, including sexual and reproductive health education, mental health awareness, and substance-abuse guidance. Injury & Sports Medicine: Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh faces a scan after a right-leg injury in Brighton’s pre-season match, adding to early-season fitness worries. Public Health Policy (Regional): A UN report says Myanmar’s military escalated attacks on civilians, including medical facilities—highlighting how conflict undermines health services.

Transport & Care Access: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says a faster ferry will soon improve Banjul–Barra crossings after children’s delegates warned that unreliable transport delays patients seeking specialist care. Health Infrastructure: The same announcement points to upgrades including Farafenni General Hospital serving wider communities and Essau Health Centre expanding surgical services, especially maternity care. Climate & Flood Risk: The World Bank invested US$45m to cut flooding and boost climate resilience, handing waste-collection equipment to Kanifing and Brikama councils for Kotu Stream flood hotspots. Roads for Health & Markets: President Adama Barrow continues a nationwide development tour, inaugurating and laying foundations for roads in Upper Badibou and Central River projects—aimed at faster access to schools, healthcare, and markets. Malaria Research: New findings suggest malaria control may improve by using bed nets that deliver anti-parasite compounds to mosquitoes, targeting drug-resistant challenges.

Community Health & Education: Two Penarth women, Barbara Connell and Catherine Grove, were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for 30 years of support in The Gambia through Kotu Trust—helping families with school fees and study support, with a long-term goal of financial independence. Climate & Flood Resilience: The World Bank invested US$45m to cut flooding and boost climate resilience in The Gambia, handing over waste-collection equipment to Kanifing and Brikama councils for communities along the Kotu Stream, a known flood hotspot. Access to Care via Infrastructure: President Adama Barrow says new road projects in the Central River Region will improve access to markets, schools and healthcare, including the inauguration of the Njau Loop and foundation-laying for the Ngayen Sanjal road. Malaria Research: Scientists report a new approach to malaria control—using treated nets that don’t just kill mosquitoes, but disrupt the parasite inside them—aimed at tackling insecticide resistance. Polio Immunisation: New analysis reviews co-administration of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 and bivalent oral polio vaccine, focusing on evidence, challenges and implications for ending polio. Mental Health Policy: A call is renewed for urgent implementation of mental health legislation to close treatment gaps and improve access to care.

Roads & Health Access: President Adama Barrow used his nationwide tour to push new road projects in the Central River and North Bank regions, saying better roads mean faster access to markets, schools, and healthcare for communities and farmers. Flood & Climate Resilience: The World Bank approved US$45M for flood reduction and climate resilience in The Gambia, with waste-collection equipment handed over to Kanifing and Brikama councils to support communities along the Kotu Stream flood hotspot. Community Support & Education: Two Penarth women were honoured for decades of work in The Gambia through Kotu Trust, which funds education and practical support like electricity for studying and school supplies to help families break poverty cycles. Malaria Research: Scientists report a new malaria-control approach using nets that let mosquitoes live but disrupt the parasite inside them, aiming to tackle insecticide resistance. Mental Health Policy: A call is growing across the region to fully implement mental health laws and close the treatment gap, including urgent action on stalled mental health departments. Injury Watch (Sports Health): Ghana’s Kamaldeen Sulemana is set to miss up to three months after a knee MCL tear, highlighting the importance of rehabilitation and follow-up care.

Malaria Control Breakthrough: A new malaria approach tested in a 2025 study uses treated bed nets that don’t just repel or kill mosquitoes, but deliver antiparasitic compounds after mosquitoes contact the net—aimed at tackling insecticide resistance. Polio Immunisation Update: New analysis reviews co-administration of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 and bivalent oral polio vaccine, highlighting practical challenges for the polio eradication endgame. Climate & Malaria Risk: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new regions, with Kenya among places expected to see rising transmission as temperatures and rainfall patterns change. Mental Health Policy Push: A psychiatry expert urges Nigeria to fully implement its National Mental Health Act, saying the treatment gap is widening due to stalled setup and weak access to community services. Diarrheal Disease Vaccine Hope: A vaccine candidate for shigellosis showed strong results in a trial, offering new hope against deadly diarrheal illness that disproportionately affects young children. Local Health & Environment: In Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland, women are both depending on mangroves for livelihoods and restoring the ecosystem that helps protect coastal communities from erosion and flooding. Roads Linked to Care Access: President Barrow’s road projects in Upper Badibou are being credited with faster access to health facilities, ambulances, and reduced travel barriers for patients.

Malaria Control Breakthrough: A new study suggests malaria transmission could be cut by using bed nets that deliver anti-parasite compounds when mosquitoes contact the net—an approach aimed at beating insecticide resistance. Climate & Malaria Risk: Scientists warn climate change may shift malaria into new regions, including cooler high-altitude areas, meaning childhood malaria risk could rise even where today’s hotspots improve. Polio Eradication Update: New analysis reviews co-administration of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 and bivalent oral polio vaccine, outlining evidence, practical challenges, and what it means for the endgame. Mental Health Policy Gap: A psychiatry professor urges immediate implementation of Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act, saying the law exists but key structures are not yet in place—highlighting a wider treatment gap. Community Health & Youth: MENFYD mentors about 300 girls with life stories plus sexual and reproductive health, mental health awareness, and substance abuse education. Local Environment & Livelihoods: A Banjul-area feature spotlights women using the Tanbi Wetland for food and income while also restoring mangroves that protect the coast.

Malaria & Climate: Scientists warn Kenya could see a 5% rise in malaria transmission as warming temperatures and shifting rainfall move malaria into new regions, with childhood malaria risk potentially increasing across East and southern Africa. Diarrheal Disease Vaccine: A new shigella vaccine candidate (WRSs2) showed about 89% effectiveness in a rigorous trial, preventing most illness in adults—an encouraging step against deadly diarrheal disease. Mental Health Policy: A psychiatry professor urged Nigeria to immediately implement its National Mental Health Act, saying the law exists but key structures are not in place, widening the mental healthcare gap. Gambia Health & Environment: A Banjul mangrove-wetland story highlights how women’s oyster and crab livelihoods depend on Tanbi Wetland protection, while some now restore the ecosystem for long-term health and safety. US Visa Processing: The US Mission in Nigeria says routine visa realignment to a regional hub won’t close the Abuja embassy, affecting processing but not embassy operations.

Women’s Health Leadership: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej was named among ABCD Africa’s “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026,” with recognition tied to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and better access to equitable healthcare across Africa. Mental Health Policy: A psychiatry professor urged Nigeria to immediately implement its National Mental Health Act, saying the law passed in 2022 is stalled because key structures—like a Department of Mental Health—are not yet set up. Diarrheal Disease Vaccine Breakthrough: A new trial reported a vaccine candidate (WRSs2) prevented about 89% of shigellosis illness in a rigorous study, offering hope against a major cause of deadly diarrheal disease. Malaria & Climate: New research says climate change is reshaping malaria risk across sub-Saharan Africa—slightly increasing it overall so far, but reducing risk in today’s hottest hotspots while raising it in parts of southern and East Africa. Gambia Health & Environment: A feature highlights how women around Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland rely on mangroves for livelihoods while also taking part in restoring the ecosystem that helps protect against erosion and flooding.

Military Pay Review: Nigeria’s new Armed Forces pay scale raises monthly pay from N187,200 for privates to N3.25m for generals, effective Sept. 1, 2026—an update that could affect soldiers’ nutrition and health access. Mental Health Policy Push: A psychiatry professor urged Nigeria to fully implement its National Mental Health Act, saying stalled setup of the Department of Mental Health is widening the treatment gap. Diarrhea Vaccine Breakthrough: A new shigella-based vaccine candidate showed about 89% effectiveness in a trial, offering hope against deadly diarrheal disease—especially important for child health. Malaria Map Shifts: A major study says climate change is “moving” malaria—reducing risk in today’s hottest hotspots while increasing it in cooler southern and parts of East Africa, including areas near The Gambia. Gambia Environment & Livelihoods: In Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland, women who harvest oysters and crabs are also restoring mangroves that protect shorelines and support food security. Water Financing Momentum: The African Water Forum highlighted Water Compacts, including The Gambia’s, aiming to attract public and private investment into national water plans. Health & Gender Rights: The Gambia was praised for being the first to ratify the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, as activists demand stronger implementation.

Mental Health Policy: Nigeria’s mental health gap is widening as Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh urges the Federal Government to fully implement the National Mental Health Act, saying key provisions like a Department of Mental Health in the Ministry of Health are still not set up. Child Health & Vaccines: A new vaccine candidate, WRSs2, showed about 89% effectiveness against shigellosis in a rigorous Atlanta trial, offering hope against deadly diarrheal disease. Malaria & Climate: A major Nature study finds climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly reducing it in today’s hottest hotspots while increasing risk in cooler southern and parts of East Africa by 2100. Water & Health Resilience: The African Water Forum highlighted Water Compacts, including The Gambia’s launch, aiming to shift water planning toward investment-ready national projects. Local Wellness & Environment: In Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland, women who rely on mangroves for livelihoods are also restoring the ecosystem—supporting food security and coastal protection. Health Systems Capacity: Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps says it has deployed over 10,000 professionals to improve health and other public services across 40+ countries. Health & Gender Rights: A Pan-African Parliament dialogue and “Pause for Purpose” protest pushed for stronger action to end violence against women and girls, with The Gambia praised for being first to ratify.

Injury Update for Gambian Star: Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh faces a scan after a right leg injury in the 3-0 friendly win over Roma, with coach Fabian Hurzeler saying the team must wait for results as other players are already expected to miss the season start. Mental Health Policy Push: A Nigerian psychiatrist urged immediate implementation of the National Mental Health Act, warning that stalled setup of the Department of Mental Health is widening the mental healthcare gap. Diarrhea Vaccine Breakthrough: A new vaccine candidate (WRSs2) showed about 89% effectiveness against shigellosis in a rigorous trial, offering hope against deadly diarrheal disease. Malaria and Climate Risk: New research says climate change is reshaping malaria’s map—slightly reducing risk in today’s hottest hotspots while increasing risk in cooler southern and East Africa regions, putting more children at future risk. Local Health & Environment: A story from the Tanbi Wetland highlights how women’s mangrove-based livelihoods and oyster harvesting pauses are tied to both food security and ecosystem restoration around Banjul.

Youth Mentorship & Health Education: MENFYD’s Story of Our Lives Project mentored about 300 girls in Ghana’s Eastern Region, combining life-story guidance with sexual and reproductive health education, mental health awareness, and substance abuse training. Injury Scan for Gambian Footballer: Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is awaiting a scan after a right-leg injury in a friendly against Roma, with medical staff providing lengthy treatment before he was taken off. Mental Health Policy Push: A psychiatry professor urged Nigeria to fully implement its National Mental Health Act, saying the mental health department in the Federal Ministry of Health is still not set up, widening the treatment gap. New Diarrhea Vaccine Trial: A vaccine candidate tested in Atlanta showed strong protection against shigellosis in a small trial, with volunteers reporting high illness rates in the placebo group. Malaria & Climate Change: New research says climate change is reshaping malaria risk across Africa—slightly reducing it in today’s hottest hotspots while increasing risk in cooler regions, including parts of southern and East Africa. Gambia Water & Mangrove Protection: A feature highlights how women around Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland rely on mangroves for food and livelihoods while also restoring the ecosystem that helps protect against erosion and flooding.