Gambia VP says health is essential to country's developmental goals
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Gambian Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray Thursday stressed that The Gambia recognized the health sector as an essential component in its developmental goals.
“The public’s health cannot be attained by the ministry of health alone, No single institution can address challenges in the health sector;” she said.
The vice-president made this remark while signing a compact document with its development partners aimed at accelerating the achievements of the universal health coverage in line with its 2014-2021 strategic plan.
The agreement also aims to bring together government and health partners to formalize the implementation of the agenda of the health sector.
Numerous development partners such as the African Union, China, WHO, EU, UNFPA, among other institutions and countries, are helping Burkina Faso to develop the health sector.
Other implementing partners include Action Aid, The Gambia, Child Fund, and Medical Research Council.
Dr. Touray described the agreement as a success in implementing the roadmap in the health sector, adding that health officials had collectively worked in realizing the aspiration of the Gambia National Development Plan(2018 – 2021).
“The NDP has outlined better health for our people and is improving health services as one of the strategies for urgent action. In 2015, the country adopted the 2030 agenda for sustainable development,” she said.
The vice-president said endorsing such a compact testified to the importance the government placed on improving the health sector and wellbeing of the public.
She added: “No single institution can address challenges in the health sector; I, therefore, salute the leadership of the Ministry of Health for spearheading this initiative over the years.”
She commended officials of the ministry of health for their effort in laying the foundation for this great initiative, pointing out that by the end of the NDP, the compact would be reviewed.
Dr. Amadou Lamin Samateh, minister of Health, described the ceremony as a turning point in the healthcare delivery system in the country, adding that the compact would accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage in The Gambia.
Dr. Desta Tiruneh, country representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), said the new partnership between the global body and The Gambia would continue to improve cooperation and ensure the development of the health sector.
He affirmed the commitment of his organization and the UN system to support The Gambia government in developing the health sector, adding that it would ensure the wellbeing of Gambians.
. -0- PANA MSS/18/RA Apr2019
