Public Health & Safety: President Adama Barrow inaugurated The Gambia’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi, funded by the World Bank, aimed at testing medicines, food and cosmetics locally to prevent a repeat of the AKI tragedy and strengthen consumer protection. Food Safety & Trade: The Food Safety and Quality Authority launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to coordinate food safety, plant and animal health systems and help The Gambia meet WTO obligations. Industry Boost: The Confederation of Gambian Industries welcomed the new food and drug labs, saying local testing and certification can cut costs, speed approvals, and improve standards for ECOWAS markets. Health System Context: Barrow linked the laboratory to weaknesses exposed by the 2022 AKI outbreak, stressing safer products are a right, not a luxury. Public Safety Alert: Crocodiles reported in Banjul North drainage systems prompted calls for urgent response and precautions, especially around open drains and for children. Gender & Growth: A World Bank briefing warned that gender inequality is holding back Gambia’s productivity and growth, citing barriers like child marriage, violence, unpaid care work, and unequal labour opportunities. Local Governance: An MP in Prestea Huni-Valley cut the sod for classroom blocks in Abekakrom and Prestea, redirecting birthday funds into education infrastructure. Labour Migration Watch: Kuwait updated domestic worker recruitment rules, allowing hiring from only 10 approved countries while banning recruitment from 27, including Gambia.