By Haddy Touray
Mr. Seedy Keita Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs has said that in The Gambia, HIV and AIDS continue to be a public health problem, and the prevalence in the general population is 1.5%.
“Currently, prevention program strategies are reinforced using the information gathered and appropriate programs designed to ensure the continuum of care for people affected with the ultimate objective of reducing HIV transmission among the community and suppressing viral loads and patients,” he said recently as he delivered the budget speech.
He further explained that the Gambia Government continues to receive support from the Global Fund to fight HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund, National AIDS Secretariat, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and other partners have successfully negotiated a grant for US$23,415,791 to continue the fight against HIV and AID, Tuberculosis and Health System of the Gambia.
Minister Keita disclosed that the implementation of the grant will begin on the 1st of January 2024 and run to December 2026 as a continuation of the 2020- 2023 funding cycle.
“Additionally, Global has committed funds to support the provision of a CT scan as part of the Country’s Health System Strengthening for US$2.4 million. As part of the Global Fund’s support, The Gambia has been awarded US$7,859,024 to cover unfunded demand in the following strategic priority areas: TB Mitigation, Surveillance and Data, Oxygen and respiratory care, Laboratory systems and Diagnostic Networks, and Community Health Works for implementation in 2024,” he further disclosed.
According to him, equally, the malaria program of the Ministry of Health has received a recommendation for grant-making following the submission of the Grant Cycle 7 proposal to continue the implementation of the malaria prevention and control strategies of the country, and a grant amounting to US$ 17,551,376 is allocated by the Global Fund for implementation from July 2024 to 30 June 2027.
He also explained that in collaboration with partners, the Ministry enhances health emergency preparedness, engages in risk communication, and implements early warning systems.
He pointed out that in 2024, the Ministry’s focus is on enhancing healthcare services, improving infrastructure, procuring equipment, and strengthening the healthcare workforce, all in line to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
“A postgraduate medical training program at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) reduces the cost of training medical professionals. The country’s commitment to Primary Health Care (PHC) has led to improved health, especially in maternal and child health and communicable disease treatment. The Ministry also advances control and prevention of HIV and TB with increasing accessibility to services.
Before the pandemic, Western Regions 1 and 2 had non-functional incinerators, prompting actions such as procuring environmentally friendly waste treatment machines, containerized dual-chamber incinerators, and refrigerated waste collection trucks to improve healthcare waste management. Infrastructure projects, including new health 38 facilities, and enhanced healthcare capacity for effective response to health challenges and emergencies,” he said.
He stressed that the Ministry of Health is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and responsive healthcare services, focusing on primary healthcare, efficient service delivery, a well-trained healthcare workforce, and robust health infrastructure.
He added that this policy direction serves as the first line of defense against outbreaks, promoting health and reducing inequalities.
