By Yunus S Saliu
The Association of Public and Environmental Health Officers – The Gambia (APEHOG) over the weekend wrapped up this year’s Public Health Awareness Week 2023 celebration with spectacular activities.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, 22nd June, members of APEHOG, students, and other distinguished VIPs gathered at the Youth Monuments for the Public Health Fair 2023.
Giving a statement on the State of Public Health in The Gambia and the way forward, Modou Cheyassin Phall dilated on different issues which include the importance of the role of public health workers in the overall health system of any country.
Saying “It cannot be overemphasized as public health is an integral part of the health system.”
Talking about the current status of Public Health in The Gambia, he said the role and responsibility of Public Health Officers are clearly defined in the Public Health Act (1996) of The Gambia which among others all the serving Public Health Officers should have a copy and be very conversant with what it entails.
Mr Phall affirmed that The Gambia today has more trained public health officers than ever in the history of Public Health in the Gambia and they are serving in different areas, “both in the private and public sector. And many are trained to Diploma, Higher Diploma, Bachelors, Masters, and PhD levels, and we are witnessing more females in the cadre compared to 20 or 30 years ago.”
He noted that some significant improvements have been registered over the years in some of the public health-related indicators and one significant improvement is the reduction in communicable diseases which were the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the country, though they still contribute to morbidity and mortality.
According to him, one major public health intervention that contributed immensely to the reduction in morbidity and mortality is the introduction of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in the early 1980s.
“Health Promotion and Education and Social Behavior Communication is another health intervention high on the agenda of the Ministry of Health and stakeholders,” he added while outlined also some of the challenges which include a budgetary allocation to the Department of Public Health, implementation of Roadmap for the Revitalization of Primary Health Care, health delivery system and so on.
On the way forward, he called for more advocacy for more budgetary allocation, engaging PMO for better understanding and recognition of the role and responsibility of the public health system, equal treatment of all the cadres, ensuring of giving attention to public health in the drafting of next-generation health policy and strategy, implementation of the roadmap for the revitalization of primary health care and so on.
The director of Public Health Services and Minister’s representatives, Chairperson of the Public Health Council GibrilSumbudu, and Yaya Duwa Sanyang among others delivered statements at the fair.