The theme for this year’s event is ‘Together for Health. Stand for Science’, focuses on leveraging scientific innovation for global health. Further, this global campaign also underscores the importance of science which guides decision with evidence while strengthening strong national commitment to a science driven health system.
Welcoming the gathering, Micheal M. Mendy, Director of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE) at the Ministry of Health, reminded that this year’s commemoration is a call to action and one that reminds people that health is not a privilege for a few, but a fundamental right for all.
‘‘And at the heart of achieving this right lies science, evidence-based, life-saving, truth-seeking science. It also calls for a holistic framework, commonly known as One Health.’’
Dr. Ousman Ceesay, Deputy Director General of Livestock and Animal Health at the Department of Livestock Services, disclosed that in observance of this year’s anniversary, they reaffirm a critical role in the national and global health security agenda.
‘‘Science tells us that we cannot protect human health in virtue. With over 75% of emerging infectious diseases originating in animals, our frontline work in monitoring lives of health and husbandry is not just about animal health and welfare.’’
Momodou BK Ceesay, Interim Director Operations at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), reminded that as they gather to mark the event, it is important to bear in mind that health is not just the absence of illness, but rather it is the cornerstone of resilience, dignity and progress in society.
‘‘It is forged when ministries, humanitarian partners, civil society organizations, and communities stand shoulder to shoulder, guided by science, and delivered by solidarity. Recent emergencies in the Gambia have vividly demonstrated this proof.’’
Momodou Bah, Director General of Food Safety and Quality Control Agency (FSQA), stated that stakeholder approach is pertinent in getting meaningful objectives as it also ensures inclusiveness and broader participation.
Bah acknowledged that food safety, animal health and the environment are very important, in view of the fact that they cut across a wider spectrum.
He made reference to World Health Organiusation statistics which reveal that annually 600 million people get sick because of eating unsafe food, or contaminated food to be precise.
‘‘And out of these 600 million, the world loses 420,000 annually. So this is very impactful. It impacts actually on our productivity, and loss of productivity has serious socio-economic impacts.’’
Ndey Fatou Jobe, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) reminded that this day serves as a pivotal moment for global reflection, awareness and renewed commitment to the most present health challenges of our time.
DPS Jobe outlined that this year’s theme resonates well with unprecedented urgency, championing the indispensable role of evidence-based policymaking, robust international collaboration and scientific integrity as the cornerstone of a resilient and equitable global health achievement.
‘‘It is powerful, a formation that the health of humanity is inextricably linked to the health of animals, plants and the ecosystem we all share.’’
Dr. Ifeanyi Udenweze from World Health Organization, reminded that the day calls on governments, health workers, scientists and communities to rebuild trust in science and to translate evidence into action through collective efforts.
To that end, Dr. Ifeanyi outlined the importance of science in today’s interconnected world amid public health threats, further acknowledging that together means health outcomes will improve when science policies and communities move in the same direction.
Sheriffo Darboe, One Health Focal Person at the Ministry of Health, described this year’s theme as both timely and relevant, as it calls on all to recognise the vital role science plays in protecting and improving health outcomes.
To that end, he maintained that the theme also reminds all that improving health is a shared responsibility and commitment that require collaborations across disciplines and borders.
Darboe made reference to the fact that the Gambia continues to grapple with some public health challenges driven mostly by infectious diseases, environmental changes and close interaction between human and animals.
That, he believes, underscored the need for One Health approach in addressing some of these emerging public health threats.
The event was graced by officials from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and other key partners.
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