The School of Public Health's Higher National Diploma (HND) programme finished second with 80.5 points, while Hadi Gala International College placed third with 72 points.
The competition, held on Friday, 11 September 2026, at the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) Conference Hall, was funded by UNICEF and featured a series of educational and creative contests aimed at promoting awareness of breastfeeding. Participating teams competed in two of three categories: drama, poetry and essay writing.
At the conclusion of the event, participants received medals, books, 2027 calendars and other items in recognition of their efforts.
The competition was organised by NaNA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF as part of activities marking World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2026, celebrated under the theme: "Breastfeeding: Sustainable Start in Life. Strengthen What Works."
The initiative sought to protect, promote and support breastfeeding while highlighting its role in ensuring optimal nutrition, enhancing food security and contributing to poverty reduction. Organisers emphasised that breastfeeding saves lives, supports child development, promotes lifelong health and remains one of the most affordable and accessible sources of nutrition.
The competition also aimed to educate students and the wider public on the importance of monitoring progress in breastfeeding practices, strengthening breastfeeding protection, and using evidence-based approaches to improve support systems for mothers and children. It further sought to encourage collaboration among tertiary institutions in advancing community support during the first 1,000 days of a child's life and beyond.
Presentations focused on the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week theme and key messages, including exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond, the role of nutrition in food security and poverty reduction, and the importance of community support structures for mothers and children.
Officials said the poetry, essay and drama competitions were designed to encourage youth participation in breastfeeding advocacy, build pride in the practice and strengthen community networks that support maternal and child health.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Alhagie Malang N. Fofana, Director General of NaNA, stressed that good nutrition is fundamental to sustainable development and begins long before a child is born.
He explained that proper nutrition should be prioritised before conception, during pregnancy, labour and delivery, throughout the postnatal period and during lactation up to a child's second birthday.
Fofana noted that breastfeeding remains deeply rooted in Gambian culture, with the vast majority of mothers nursing their children. However, he encouraged lactating mothers to adhere to internationally recommended breastfeeding practices to maximise health benefits for infants.
He further explained that the inter-tertiary competition was organised to enhance students' understanding of optimal infant and young child feeding practices, prepare them for future parenthood and equip them to serve as advocates for child nutrition within their communities.
For his part, Bakary Dampha, a Nutrition Officer at UNICEF, said this year's theme reflects the organisation's commitment to strengthening breastfeeding advocacy and support systems.
He highlighted the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, stressing the need for mothers to provide breast milk to newborns within the first hour after birth to ensure the best possible start to life.
The event formed part of broader efforts by NaNA, the Ministry of Health and UNICEF to strengthen public awareness of breastfeeding and promote practices that contribute to healthier mothers, healthier children and stronger communities across The Gambia.
