The team, led by the Honourable Minister for Health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, briefed the President on assessing the capacities and needs to improve The Gambia's cancer programme infrastructure.
President Barrow emphasised that joining forces will help leverage the Government's efforts to tackle a growing cancer burden to make a more significant impact on the lives of people with cancer. He urged all the stakeholders to work together to sustain lifesaving opportunities for all those who are impacted by cancer.
Hon. Dr Samateh stressed the rise of liver, breast and prostate cancer cases in many developing countries, of which The Gambia is not an exception. "We have seen quite a number of cases of cancer mortality in the country, which is a result of the late arrival of patients in health facilities." He said.
Hon. Dr Samateh commended President Barrow's Administration for setting up a Cancer Control Programme Unit under the Ministry of Health, which advocates, sensitises, supports and coordinates early diagnosis and treatment activities.
Collaborating with partners like the UN agencies, The Government is taking a holistic approach to cancer control for continuous care. It will explore continuous dialogue and knowledge sharing to improve cancer treatment and radiation therapy in The Gambia.
Speaking to the Press, Dr. Samateh applauded First Lady H.E. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow for her significant strides in fighting cancer through advocacy for cancer education and prevention, including making advanced cancer treatment available to more patients.
Source: State House
