The World Bank has been involved in various projects to support The Gambia’s Ministry of
Health in improving healthcare services, infrastructure, and disease
prevention. Here are some key initiatives and collaborations:
1. COVID-19 Emergency Response (2020-2022)
- The World Bank provided support under the Gambia COVID-19 Emergency
Response Project to strengthen the health system. - Funds
were used for:- Medical supplies (PPEs, ventilators, testing kits)
- Training healthcare workers
- Vaccine procurement and distribution
- Public awareness campaigns
2. Gambia Essential Health Services Strengthening Project
(2021–Present)
- A project to improve primary healthcare and
maternal/child health services. - Focus
areas:- Strengthening health facilities in rural areas
- Reducing maternal and child mortality
- Improving disease surveillance (e.g., malaria,
tuberculosis) - Digital health information systems
3. Regional Disease Surveillance Enhancement (REDISSE) Program
- The Gambia benefits from this multi-country
World Bank initiative to strengthen epidemic preparedness. - Supports:
- Laboratory upgrades
- Training for rapid response teams
- Cross-border collaboration on infectious diseases
(e.g., Ebola, COVID-19).
4. Nutrition and Reproductive Health Support
- The World Bank funds nutrition programs targeting malnutrition
in children and pregnant women. - Also supports family planning and reproductive
health services.
5. Future Engagements
- Discussions
are ongoing for additional funding to:- Upgrade major hospitals (e.g., Edward Francis
Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul). - Expand universal health coverage (UHC) initiatives.
- Strengthen non-communicable disease (NCD) management
- Upgrade major hospitals (e.g., Edward Francis
