The visit comes at a critical time as The Gambia continues to confront persistent challenges in maternal health outcomes, despite notable progress in strengthening the health system. Maternal mortality remains high at 289 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the 2019–2020 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), largely due to gaps in access to quality emergency obstetric care, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
In response, UNFPA has intensified its support to the country’s maternal health systems, with a strong focus on improving service delivery and building frontline capacity. In 2025, the agency procured more than US$250,000 worth of essential maternal health equipment, including delivery beds, ultrasound scanners, dignity kits, stethoscopes, and blood pressure machines, to strengthen health facilities across the country.
UNFPA has also invested in strengthening midwifery services, a cornerstone of safe motherhood. In a landmark intervention, the organisation delivered the first-ever competency-based training using WHO Labour Care Guidelines for 17 midwives in the Central River Region, enhancing skills in respectful maternity care, infection prevention, emergency obstetric response, and newborn essential care. These efforts are aimed at improving the quality of care for women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
Beyond maternal health, UNFPA continues to play a key role in advancing access to family planning services. With an estimated 24 per cent unmet need among married women, the agency supported the procurement of US$392,323.30 worth of reproductive health and family planning commodities in 2025, significantly strengthening commodity security and reducing the risk of stockouts nationwide. Complementary investments in supply chain management and advocacy for increased domestic financing are helping to ensure the sustainability of these services.
UNFPA is also a leading partner in The Gambia’s response to gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices. Through support to One-Stop Centres, including the facility in Bansang, survivors are able to access integrated medical care, psychosocial support, and referral services in safe and dignified environments. These interventions are reinforcing national systems for prevention, coordination, and accountability while ensuring survivor-centred care remains at the forefront.
During his visit, Dr Hounton is expected to engage with national leadership and key stakeholders to reaffirm UNFPA’s long-term partnership with The Gambia. On Wednesday, 21 January, he will pay a courtesy call on His Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia, with discussions focusing on national priorities related to maternal health, family planning, youth development, and the protection of women and girls.
The visit will also include field visits to Farafenni General Hospital and the One-Stop Centre for GBV survivors in Bansang, where UNFPA-supported investments in maternal health services, emergency obstetric care, and survivor-centred protection will be highlighted. In addition, Dr. Hounton will engage in a youth dialogue at the Independence Stadium, bringing together the Minister for Youth and youth representatives to discuss leadership, peacebuilding, innovation, and access to sexual and reproductive health information.
Further high-level engagements are scheduled with the Vice President and the Speaker of the National Assembly, as well as select parliamentary committees, to discuss strengthening legislative frameworks and safeguards aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Dr Hounton’s visit underscores UNFPA’s continued support to The Gambia in advancing maternal health, reproductive rights, gender equality, and the overall well-being of women, adolescents, and girls, particularly those in underserved communities.
