The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) has marked 60 years of humanitarian service with a renewed commitment to alleviating human suffering, strengthening community resilience and expanding support to vulnerable populations across the country.
The anniversary celebration, held under the theme, “60 Years of Humanity: Serving Communities, Saving Lives, Inspiring the Future,” brought together government representatives, diplomatic missions, development partners, members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, volunteers and other stakeholders.
The commemoration featured a march-past from Churchill’s Town to the GRCS Headquarters, followed by activities reflecting on the organisation’s humanitarian journey since its establishment in 1966.
Addressing the gathering, Board President Fabakary Kalleh said the milestone was not only an opportunity to celebrate past achievements but also a responsibility to preserve the organisation’s humanitarian mission for future generations.
He emphasised the importance of sound governance, accountable leadership and strategic direction in sustaining the Society’s work. He disclosed that ongoing institutional reforms, including a review of its Constitution and the preparation of its Unified Plan 2027, were aimed at strengthening its structures and long-term effectiveness.
Kalleh also called for stronger collaboration with government institutions, local authorities, civil society and the private sector to improve disaster preparedness, health promotion, climate resilience and emergency response.
For his part, Secretary General Ebou Faye Njie highlighted the critical role of volunteers, disclosing that the Society operates across the country’s seven regions with more than 17,000 volunteers supporting humanitarian interventions and identifying community needs.
He outlined ongoing interventions in public health, disaster preparedness and climate resilience, including support for Seasonal Malaria Chemo-prevention through the CIDCA-funded Accelerating Malaria Elimination in The Gambia Project.
He said volunteers conduct household visits, engage caregivers and provide health information to encourage families to ensure eligible children receive preventive malaria medication.
Njie also highlighted the Society’s response to the October boat incident off Jinack Kajata, where its teams supported the dignified management of human remains and provided mental health and psychosocial support to affected families.
He identified climate change, public health threats, migration-related emergencies and financial sustainability as major challenges requiring stronger institutional capacity and community-based interventions.
Both leaders paid tribute to generations of volunteers, staff and partners whose contributions have sustained the Society’s humanitarian mission over six decades.
