President Adama Barrow receives the report from Babucarr Alieu Suwareh, the Chairperson of the AKI Task force .
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Task Force constituted to look into Acute Kidney Injury that resulted in the death of more than 66 children has on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, presented their report to the President of the Republic of the Gambia at the State House in Banjul.
The 17-member panel, with Babucarr Alieu Suwareh as Chairman, was constituted sometime in October 2022 and tasked with probing into incidences of AKI in children.
Babucarr Alieu Suwareh, Chairperson of the panel, presented the report to the President, stating that their investigation was carried out with high professionalism.
“This investigation was carried out with professionalism, transparency, and fairness in line with set guidelines and terms of reference during the course of the past 3 months. The investigation forces conducted a series of key informant interviews, reviews of relevant documents, as well as carrying out visits to several key institutions related to the subject matter,” Chairman Suwareh said.
Mr. Suwareh said due to the nature of the subject matter, they produced a report with four sections.
“Section one is about the general information. Section two entails the fact-finding mission. Section three is the research base part of the report, and section four delved into the report. Your Excellency, there is also an executive summary specifically produced for your reference which summarizes the main report as well as the findings and recommendations arising from the inquiry,” he said.
Mr. Suwareh went on to express his gratitude to the President for the trust and confidence he accorded them in carrying out the assignment.
His Excellency President Adama Barrow assured the public that he will carefully study all the recommendations in the report and respond appropriately.
“The membership of the Acute Task Force was carefully selected, composed of trustworthy persons of diverse backgrounds and from key information within and outside of government,” he said.
The president said the report will serve as a basis for the government to review public health regulations and prevention guidelines to strengthen the sector and enhance better service.
President Barrow also thanked the Chairperson and members of the task force for their commitment to ensuring that they delivered the report on time and that the content is of good quality and informative enough, despite the limitations that could have hampered their work.