Paediatric
Association of The Gambia (PATG) on Saturday launched to draw the attention of
the Government and the people of The Gambia to a condition that constitutes a
threat to the life and health of children.
The
creation of the association will allow cooperation with national, regional and
international bodies with similar interests. The launch which brought together
health workers and stakeholders was held at a local hotel in Banjul.
One
of the targets of the association is to promote friendship and understanding
among Paediatricians and all other professionals dedicated to the development
and promotion of good health of children in The Gambia.
Representing
the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mustapha Bittaye said the
association will help to advocate the health and wellbeing of children,
pregnant women and women in general.
He
assured the association of government support as their responsibilities are
known to the authorities, especially their advocacy for the welfare of health
workers.
Rohey
Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul said there is no greater national priority than
health and education, especially when it comes to the needs of children, saying
she believes that health is the most important tool for a better society to
mitigate challenges and foster growth.
“In
my capacity as the Mayor of Banjul, I have worked tirelessly with my team to
advocate for capacity building in all sectors, especially the health sector and
RVTH was not left behind and will still benefit from whatever comes on my
desk,” she said.
According
to her, this initiative is the art of caring for children from birth to
adolescence with emphasis on their physical growth, mental, emotional and
psycho-social development.
The
Banjul Mayoress commended the initiative and expressed hope that when the plans
of the association are implemented, they will significantly contribute to
improving the health of children in the country and meet the targets of the
SDGs in 2030.
Dr
Adama Sallah, president of the Association said their objective is to promote
the maintenance of appropriate child health practices among medical
professionals and other health professionals in the country.
According
to him, vital relationship of the mother’s health and wellbeing and development
of the child should be recognized by all.
He
noted that solutions to some of the major problems of maternal and child health
are beyond their scope, adding that there is an increased need for advocacy
which should be well cultivated in the profession.
