In a significant advancement for public health in The Gambia, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Gambia Office, has officially commenced a transformative three-day capacity-building workshop focused on Environmental Health Surveillance. This workshop, which began today 27th of August 2025, is set to strengthen the nation’s defenses against potential public health threats while enhancing overall national health security.
The opening ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the Deputy Director of Public Health Services, the Program Manager for Expanded Programme on Immunization and representatives from the WHO Country and regional Office. In his keynote address, the Deputy Director, Ebrima Touray emphasized the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the health of Gambians, stating, “Building our capacity in environmental health surveillance is not just an administrative task; it’s a vital investment in the future health and well-being of our communities.”
Over the next three days, participants will engage in dynamic sessions designed to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective environmental health monitoring and intervention. “This workshop is more than an opportunity for learning; it is a collaborative effort that underscores the unity of purpose among health stakeholders in The Gambia,” said Ibrahim Idris, representative of WHO Afro.
The Ministry of Health recognizes that environmental factors significantly influence public health outcomes. With challenges such as pollution, waste management, and climate change, robust environmental health surveillance systems are essential in detecting and responding to emerging public health threats, ensuring that the nation is better prepared to respond to potential crises in the future.
As the workshop unfolds, participants will work closely together to share experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches to environmental health. The collaborative spirit fostered during these discussions is expected to yield actionable insights that will feed into national surveillance frameworks. The Ministry of Health, along with WHO, is committed to sustaining this momentum beyond the workshop.
