By Swaibou Sey
The West Africa Health Organization [WAHO] presented valuable equipment to the Gambia Family Planning Association [GFPA].
The items include conference tables, computers, desk, lab equipment such as gloves, chairs, among others.
The ceremony was held on 23th August at the Gambia Family Planning main office in Kanifing.
It was graced by the GFPA officials, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, representative from RAMKA and some young people.
In his opening remarks, Programme Manager at GFPA, Momodou Nije, thanked the donor agency for the gesture and noting that the donated items would benefit the young people.
“I wish to thank WAHO for the support they have given not only to GFPA but to the youths of this country. The provision of such items by WAHO will go a long way in meeting the needs of young people in their quest for Sexual and Reproductive Health information and services,” Njie said.
He extended sincere gratitude to RAMKA, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health under whose influence the gathering was made possible.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health who doubles as WAHO relations officer, Karamba Keita, gave a brief history of WAHO and some of its activities in society.
“GFPA has been a critical partner with the Ministry of health in trying to provide quality service to women in the reproductive age and when you give quality service to women, in extension you are giving quality service to the children or the unborn.” He said.
Abas Cham, the GFPA President said the relationship between the Ministry of health and GFPA has been cordial for the past two years; therefore the gesture is not a surprise to them.
West Africa Health Organization [WAHO] is a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] responsible for health issues across the sub-region. WAHO was created by Protocol A/P2/7/87 of 9 July 1987 signed in Abuja by the Heads of State and Government but its Headquarters is located in Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso.
The objective of the Organisation is the attainment of the highest possible standard and protection of health of the peoples in the sub-region through the harmonisation of the policies of the Member States, pooling of resources, and cooperation with one another and with others for a collective and strategic combat against the health problems of the sub-region.