The significant gathering brought together key stakeholders to discuss ongoing efforts and strategies in the fight against HIV/AIDS within the region. The meeting aimed to review progress, share insights, and enhance coordination to curb the spread of HIV and improve the quality of care for those living with HIV.
The HIV & AIDS National Response in The Gambia is a comprehensive program aimed at integrating HIV & AIDS initiatives into the country's national development agenda. The Gambian government remains steadfast in its commitment to curbing the rapid spread of HIV infections. In line with this commitment, the National AIDS Secretariat has decentralised its efforts by establishing Municipal and Regional AIDS Coordinators across all six regions of the country.
The Municipal AIDS Coordinator, Gibril Sanneh in his remarks at the event said that he conducted a quality of care study titled "Perceived Quality of HIV Care by People Living with HIV Receiving ART at Kanifing General Hospital." The study, he noted was conducted from April 8th to 19th, 2024, aimed to assess the perceived quality of HIV care provided by healthcare workers at Kanifing General Hospital.
Mr. Sanneh indicated that, in accordance with its mandate to coordinate HIV/AIDS response activities at the regional and municipal levels, the Municipal AIDS Committee, led by the Deputy Mayor of KMC, mobilised stakeholders to enhance the HIV response within the Western One Health Region, which includes Kanifing Municipal Council, Banjul City Council, and Kombo North. The committee's goal he stated was to gather resources and implement effective strategies to curb the spread of HIV in the Greater Banjul Area and its surrounding settlements.
Mr Sanneh also outlined the significance of the study, explaining that perceived quality of HIV care significantly influences patient outcomes and satisfaction. He also highlighted the key factors affecting the perceived quality of care and provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the quality of HIV care services.
Abubacarr Jah, Deputy Director at the National AIDS Secretariat, stated that it is highly commendable to see all stakeholders and organisations uniting to combat HIV/AIDS in The Gambia. Jah emphasised that it is their responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of everyone in the community.
Binta Janneh-Jallow, the Deputy Mayor of KMC and Chairperson of the Municipal AIDS Committee emphasised the critical importance of delivering quality HIV services. "HIV remains a global public health issue, affecting millions of lives," she stated.
Jallow indicated that ensuring that our healthcare systems provide comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality services for HIV prevention, treatment, and care is essential to combating the epidemic. The Kanifing Municipal Council is committed to this cause," he said.
The Deputy Mayor noted that quality HIV service delivery begins with education and awareness, adding that it is imperative that they equip individuals with accurate information about HIV transmission, prevention methods, and the importance of regular testing. She observed that stigma and discrimination continue to be a significant barrier to accessing services.
“We must foster a supportive environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to seek the care they need," she concluded.
