By Binta Jaiteh
National Assembly members have completed two-day training on population, gender and reproductive health-related issues. The training aimed to help widen the understanding of the legislators, organised by the secretariat of National population commission.
Speaking at the training, Honorable Kebba K Barrow, said: “the two day training will help to build National Assembly members’ capacity on population and development issues including sexual and reproductive health and gender based violence.”
According to him, it will also raise awareness of population and development issues leading to increased support and commitment to advocate for emerging population.
“This training is relevant and timely, as The Gambia continues to grapple with challenges in reproductive health, gender mainstreaming and other population development. It is against this backdrop, and in honour of commitment made at the 2019 and 2020, Network of African parliamentary committees of health,” he added.
He noted that lawmakers are responsible to support noble initiatives and the potential for positive change in our communities, while re-echo the importance of revitalizing the network of parliamentarians on population and development issues.
Mariama Fanneh , Director of population affairs said the national secretariat is a technical arm of the national population commission headed by the Vice President.
“The mandate includes emerging population trends and dynamics promoting advocacy for population. This regional body convenes annually to reflect on the progress and challenges of population. Development issues and renew their commitments on improving reproductive health and family,” she said.
Despite being dormant for some years now, she said, the secretariat still values the importance of this structure and will endeavour to engage the NAMs to revitalize the network.
Lamin Dampha, PS Ministry of Health highlighted on the population and development issues for sustainable development saying it requires careful management especially with regards to reproductive health.
“Sexual and Reproductive is fundamental to individuals, couples and families of a nation,” he said and added that government of The Gambia has realized that sustainable development of a nation would not be achieved without renewed commitment
Therefore the burden of reproductive ill-health in terms of both life and economic losses are enormous as 20% globally is on women.
“It is gratifying to note that significant success has been registered in terms of increased accessibility and availability of quality reproductive health services,” he said.