The new executives are expected to steer the affairs of the association in the next three years. APEHOG is a registered non-profit organisation that has existed since 1971, serving the interest of all public health professionals within and outside The Gambia.
Welcoming the delegates, Dr. Buba Manjang, director of Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health, underscored the indispensable role of public health officials in the health of the populace, reminding that the profession is a noble profession.
He emphasised that public health officials respond in situations when others are running, adding that the association is a great platform that all members should take ownership of.
Dr. Manjang therefore urged members to be steadfast, innovative and always maintain discipline and be God-fearing.
He however, made reference to the fast-technological advancement taking shape and challenged members to be ready to learn new things.
To that end, he called on members to be ready to take responsibility in whatever they do and be always ready to serve humanity and work towards the development of the country.
Presenting the activity report 2022-2024, Abdou Saho, secretary general of the association, highlighted some of the activities conducted by the outgoing executives, recalling that on the 10th of April 2022, the association conducted a forum at The Gambia College, Brikama Campus.
That, he added, was the first general meeting organised by the executive since taking office, adding that the congress was organised promptly by the executive and some concerned members of the association.
"The congress was triggered by the situation that Public Health Officers in the ministry of Health were not paid some allowances as compared to the sister cadres. The executive had series of consultations with the concerned authorities over a year before resulting to this congress to involve the general membership. From the congress came important resolutions agreed upon by the general membership that significantly changed the direction of the events surrounding the unpaid allowances. One of the most notable resolutions from the congress was the decision of the membership to go on a strike if the allowances were not paid in a given period agreed with authorities."
He also talked about their nationwide familiarisation tour, which he said, accorded the executive chance to meet and discuss with members issues affecting them in their various stations.
Fatoumatta Singhateh, auditor, who presented the Audited Income and Expenditure of the association, highlighted some of the expenditure the association had spent on key activities such as support to families of members who are deceased, support for overseas treatment of members, donation to School of Public Health, student community outreach, transport refunds and communication, among a host of others.
She also talked about their expenditure during their recent gala and award night, as well as other activities and sale of T-shirts and banners among others.
The congress also witnessed the review and amendments of the association’s constitution, while creating a platform for members to have a say on the future and highlights some of the challenges affecting the profession in the country.
Meanwhile, the new executive of APEHOG are: Sarja Jarjusey-President; Bakalilu Kijera-Vice President; Nfansu Keita-Secretary General; Saikou Camara-Assistant Secretary General; Fatou Jome-Treasurer; Miss Mariama Gomez- Assistant Treasurer; Bakary Darboe-Social Secretary; Muhammed Keita-Assistant Social Secretary; Miss Sonna Darboe-IPRO; Layin Surr-Auditor General and Lamin Conteh-Assistant Auditor General.
