The award was presented under the leadership of Vice-President of the French National Assembly, Marie-Agnès Poussier-Winsback, in recognition of efforts by African legislators advocating for stronger health systems, equity, and people-centered healthcare policies.
Reacting to the recognition, Hon. Bah described the honour as a collective achievement for all those working tirelessly to advance healthcare access and equity in Africa.
“This recognition is not mine alone,” he stated. “It belongs to every health advocate fighting for equity across our continent.”
During the strategic parliamentary dialogue, lawmakers from Africa and France discussed critical priorities shaping the future of global health cooperation and healthcare delivery across the continent.
The discussions focused on five key pillars, including parliamentary diplomacy as a strategic tool for advancing health equity, improving access to healthcare through shared challenges and solutions, and strengthening health financing systems to address urgent healthcare needs.
The parliamentarians also emphasized the importance of reinforcing parliamentary cooperation through both North-South and South-South partnerships, while reaffirming a shared commitment to legislating health as a fundamental human right rather than an act of charity.
Hon. Bah expressed gratitude to international and national partners who facilitated the engagement, including The Global Fund, GFAN Africa Region, WACI Health, and The Gambia National Assembly.
He noted that the summit reinforced the importance of stronger partnerships in addressing Africa’s healthcare challenges and promoting sustainable health systems.
“The lesson is clear: there can be no health sovereignty without people-centered partnerships,” he remarked.
The Banjul North lawmaker further reaffirmed his commitment to advancing healthcare advocacy and policy reforms for the benefit of Gambians and the African continent at large.
“The work continues — for Banjul North, for The Gambia, and for Africa,” he added.
The recognition comes at a time when African governments and global health stakeholders are intensifying calls for improved healthcare financing, equitable healthcare access, and stronger international collaboration to address persistent public health challenges across the continent.
