UNFPA-Gambia reviews plans ahead of 2022

In 2021, UNFPA made critical investments towards the promotion of its mandate to realise zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths and zero Gender-Based Violence and harmful practices. 

These investments made through the support provided to government and Civil Society partners, seek to promote the achievement of the ideals of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development and ensure that no one is left behind.

At the event, Mariama Fanneh, director of National Population Commission Secretariat, thanked UNFPA through the country’s representative for supporting The Gambia in trying to ensure that anyone that needs a modern method of family planning gets it and nobody has to go through any sexual and gender-based violence including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage and no woman dies of preventable maternal death. 

The meeting, which brought together all implementing partners, also creates a platform to take stock of the achievements registered within the year, highlight lessons learnt and plan for the coming year.

Mr Kunle Adeniyi, UNFPA country representative, said the reviewing and planning of the programme are important because it helps to plan activities and deter failures. 

Adeniyi noted that some of the solutions today are not the hardest to think about, adding that they just relay to a mindset shift and behavioural change. 

He thus encouraged partners to actively participate and ensure synergy to see a way forward for future programmes.

He added that this reviewing and planning process would foster development and discourage child marriages, gender-based violence and so on. 

He once again thanked partners in supporting Gambians especially women, who suffered maternal health.

Kebba Bojang, an official from the Office of the Vice President, who read a statement read on behalf of the government of The Gambia, said that UNFPA and the government of The Gambia continue to enjoy a long-standing partnership culminating in the implementation of eight consecutive country programs. 

These continue partnerships, he said, has led to a significant contribution in the improvement of the quality, life of all Gambians more so women, children and girls.

Bojang indicated that through UNFPA support, many hospitals and health centres have been upgraded to provide basic emergency, thereby contributing and strengthening the health delivery system through the provision of maternal life-saving drugs, medical equipment and training of health personnel.