AGP Executive Report

Food & Drug Safety: Gambia has launched its first modern food and drug testing laboratory, with the government and industry groups saying it will strengthen quality assurance, consumer protection, and local testing so manufacturers can verify products without relying on costly overseas services. Public Health & Systems: A World Bank-linked public finance review highlights Gambia’s fiscal pressures—narrow revenue, deficits, debt, and spending inefficiencies—warning that weak funding and risk management can spill into essential services like health. Health Workforce & Access: A new AI-powered academic counselling platform (Seedmap) was launched by Gambian-born immunologist Bubacarr Touray to support immigrant students’ education pathways—an indirect boost to long-term health and wellbeing through better access to opportunities. Drug Quality Warning (Global): Reports from India’s Kota describe oxytocin vials allegedly containing only water, triggering outrage and regulatory action—an urgent reminder of the need for strong medicine regulation. Health Governance & Infrastructure: The government also faced public pressure over water and electricity interruptions affecting households and healthcare facilities, with officials addressing the issue publicly. Health & Migration Policy (Regional): Kuwait’s updated domestic worker recruitment rules restrict source countries, including Gambia, raising concerns for migrant workers’ health and safety as labour corridors tighten.

Food & Drug Safety: The Gambia launched its first Food and Drug Testing Laboratory, with officials saying it will strengthen quality assurance, consumer protection, and help local manufacturers test and certify medicines and products faster. Food Safety Coordination: The Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA) also rolled out a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to improve coordination across food safety and agriculture, support science-based monitoring, and meet WTO and regional obligations. Public Health System Watch: A report on the AKI outbreak highlights weaknesses in the country’s health system, renewing calls for stronger preparedness and response. Health Workforce & Access: A new mentorship program for land restoration policy makers includes a Gambian cohort, aiming to connect community restoration work with decision-making that can affect long-term health through safer environments. Health Risks in Supply Chains: A global case from India flags serious drug-quality failures after oxytocin vials allegedly contained only water, underscoring why local testing capacity matters. Labour & Health Migration: Kuwait’s updated domestic worker recruitment rules restrict hiring from many African countries including Gambia, raising concerns for migrant workers’ welfare and access to care.

Food Safety & Trade: The Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA) has launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to strengthen coordination on food safety, plant and animal health, and help The Gambia meet WTO obligations—aimed at better monitoring, transparency, and science-based protection for consumers and farmers. Cancer Care Capacity: Merck Foundation says it is expanding cancer training across Africa, including scholarships for clinical oncology and pain management, with The Gambia listed among countries building local cancer care teams. Drug Quality Watch: A report on Kota, Rajasthan oxytocin deaths highlights how regulatory gaps can allow substandard medicines to reach hospitals—an urgent reminder for stronger medicine quality controls. Health System Risk: A separate piece on an Ebola outbreak argues that preparedness depends on practical frontline support and logistics—especially when systems are under strain. Public Health Governance: A World Bank note flags gender inequality in Gambia as a health and economic drag, pointing to barriers like child marriage, early pregnancy, and limited access to land and finance. Lab Testing Milestone: President Barrow’s launch of Gambia’s first food and drug testing laboratory is being hailed as a major step for local quality assurance and safer medicines.

Public Health & Regulation: India’s Kota oxytocin tragedy (vials reportedly containing only water) has reignited scrutiny of drug quality controls, with regulators pointing to gaps that let repeatedly flagged manufacturers still supply public hospitals—an urgent reminder for stronger GMP enforcement and procurement checks. 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, improve monitoring and reporting, and meet WTO obligations. Cancer Care Capacity: Merck Foundation and partners continue expanding cancer training scholarships across Africa, including The Gambia, aiming to reduce late diagnosis and the shortage of oncology specialists. Health System Risk (Digital): An ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra highlights rising threats to hospitals and public services from ransomware and cybercrime, with The Gambia among participating teams. Health-Adjacent Governance: The World Bank-linked Public Finance Review and World Bank gender inequality findings both underline how fiscal pressure and unequal access to health and jobs can directly affect wellbeing in The Gambia.

Hajj Refund Dispute: Over 70 intending pilgrims in The Gambia are demanding a D50M refund after being denied visas and missing the 2026 Hajj, with reports that some collapsed and were admitted to hospital—victims are calling on multiple authorities to intervene. Food & Medicine Safety: President Adama Barrow inaugurated Gambia’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi, a World Bank-funded $10m facility meant to test medicines, food and cosmetics locally to curb counterfeit and contaminated products. Food Safety Governance: The Food Safety and Quality Authority launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to strengthen coordination, monitoring and science-based food safety systems for better market access. Public Health Capacity: Merck Foundation announced continued cancer care training scholarships across Africa, including support for oncology and pain management capacity in The Gambia. Health System Lessons: Barrow linked the new lab to weaknesses exposed by the 2022 AKI crisis, stressing safer medicines are a right. Vector Control Research: WHO updates on insecticide resistance monitoring include new discriminating concentrations and methods for indoor residual spraying. Gender & Health Link: A World Bank briefing highlighted how gender inequality—through barriers in health and employment—undermines productivity and growth in The Gambia.

Food & Medicine Safety: President Adama Barrow inaugurated The Gambia’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi, a $10m World Bank-funded facility meant to test medicines, food and cosmetics locally—cutting delays from overseas checks and helping detect counterfeit or contaminated products after the AKI tragedy. Regulatory Strengthening: The Food Safety and Quality Authority launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to coordinate food safety and plant/animal health systems, support WTO obligations, and improve transparency and science-based monitoring for safer trade. Public Health Capacity: Merck Foundation continues cancer care capacity-building across Africa, including training scholarships and cancer awareness efforts that include The Gambia. Health System Risk Watch: WHO guidance updates on insecticide resistance monitoring for mosquitoes and sandflies, including discriminating concentrations and test conditions for new insecticides used in indoor residual spraying. Food Security & Poverty: A Gambia envoy at a Pretoria poverty dialogue urged practical, people-centred action, stressing that poverty also limits access to healthcare, education, decent work, housing and food security. Governance & Services: Government debt repayment and budget execution figures were reported for the first quarter, alongside ongoing public pressure over water and electricity interruptions affecting healthcare and schools.

Food & Medicine Safety: President Adama Barrow inaugurated The Gambia’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi, a $10m World Bank-funded facility meant to test medicines, food and cosmetics locally—cutting delays, improving detection of counterfeit or contaminated products, and strengthening consumer protection after the AKI tragedy. Food Safety Governance: The Food Safety and Quality Authority launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to coordinate food safety and plant/animal health systems, support WTO compliance, and improve monitoring and transparency across stakeholders. Public Health Capacity: Merck Foundation says it is expanding cancer care training across Africa, including scholarships for clinical oncology and pain management, with The Gambia among countries building oncology capacity. Nutrition & Climate: Experts urged a shift toward plant-based diets to boost food security, improve public health, and reduce climate impacts. Health System Risks: AKI is cited again as a warning that weak drug oversight can cost lives—now addressed through local testing and stronger regulation. Labour & Health Link: Kuwait’s new domestic worker recruitment rules restrict hiring from many African countries including Gambia, raising concerns for migrant health and welfare pathways.

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.

Food & Medicine Safety: President Adama Barrow inaugurated The Gambia’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi, a World Bank-funded $10m facility meant to test medicines, food and cosmetics locally—cutting delays, improving detection of counterfeit or contaminated products, and strengthening consumer protection after the 2022 AKI tragedy. Food Safety for Trade: The Food Safety and Quality Authority launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to coordinate food safety and plant/animal health systems, support WTO compliance, and help farmers and exporters meet international standards. Industry Boost: The Confederation of Gambian Industries welcomed the new food and drug laboratories, saying local testing and certification will reduce costs and speed approvals for manufacturers aiming for ECOWAS markets. Public Health & Access Risks: Ongoing electricity and water disruptions continue to threaten healthcare and daily life, while a separate internet outage was linked to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta. Public Safety: Authorities reported crocodiles in Banjul North drainage systems and urged residents to avoid drains, supervise children, and stop dumping waste that blocks waterways. Cancer Care Capacity: Merck Foundation highlighted continued cancer training scholarships across Africa, including support for oncology capacity building in The Gambia. Health & Wellness Context: Experts urged a shift toward plant-based diets to improve food security, public health, and climate outcomes.

Food & Medicine Safety: President Adama Barrow has inaugurated The Gambia’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi, a World Bank-funded $10m facility meant to test medicines, food and cosmetics locally—cutting delays from overseas checks and helping detect counterfeit or contaminated products after the 2022 AKI tragedy. Regulatory Coordination: The Food Safety and Quality Authority also launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to improve coordination across food safety and agriculture, strengthen WTO compliance, and support safer trade. Public Health & Access: Merck Foundation highlighted ongoing cancer-care training scholarships across Africa, including support for building oncology capacity in The Gambia. Health System Risks: An AKI outbreak review by Barrow points to serious weaknesses in the health system that the new lab is designed to help prevent. Community Safety: Banjul North residents were warned about reported crocodiles in drainage systems, with calls for vigilance and better waste disposal to reduce health and safety risks. Health & Wellness Angle: Experts urged a shift toward plant-based diets to improve food security, public health and climate outcomes.

Food & Medicines Safety: President Adama Barrow commissioned The Gambia’s first modern National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi, calling it a major step after the 2022 AKI tragedy and urging stronger checks to keep unsafe food and counterfeit medicines off the market. Health System Accountability: Barrow also linked the lab to fixing weaknesses exposed by the AKI outbreak, framing safe access to medicines as a right. TB Update: The country recorded an 8% drop in TB notifications in 2025 (2,860 in 2024 to 2,627 in 2025), but officials say progress toward End TB targets remains slow. Power & Public Health: The Gambia Democratic Congress raised alarm over the prolonged electricity crisis, while Gamtel reported an internet outage tied to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta. Tourism Environment & Safety: The Gambia Tourism Board warned illegal developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop unapproved construction, citing coastal erosion and poor sanitation. Public Safety Alert: Crocodiles were reported in Banjul North drainage systems, with residents urged to avoid open drains and supervise children. Regional Health Capacity: The World Bank said a West Africa power programme expanded electricity access to over three million people and supports cross-border power trade—key for health facilities running reliably.

Senegambia Integration Push: A new call for practical Senegambia cooperation urges cheaper Banjul–Dakar airfares and a Senegambia Transit Facilitation Framework to ease movement of people and goods, including for medical access. AKI Health System Warning: President Barrow says the 4-years-ago AKI outbreak exposed serious weaknesses in The Gambia’s health system and used the tragedy to justify stronger medicine safety oversight, including the new National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi. Food & Drug Testing Boost: The Confederation of Gambian Industries (CGI) welcomed the inauguration of the country’s first food and drug laboratories, saying local testing and certification can protect consumers and cut costs for manufacturers. Electricity Crisis Pressure: The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) and other voices are demanding transparency and a clear roadmap as power cuts disrupt daily life, with reports also pointing to an internet outage linked to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station. Tourism Zone Health & Safety: The Gambia Tourism Board warns illegal developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop unapproved construction, citing coastal erosion, poor sanitation, and hygiene concerns that can harm public health and tourism. TB Progress Report: Health officials say TB notifications fell 8% in 2025, but The Gambia still lags End TB targets, with incidence and deaths reductions remaining below goals. Public Safety Alert: Banjul North residents are warned about reported crocodiles in drainage systems, with authorities urging caution around open drains and better waste disposal to reduce risks. Eid Support Across Borders: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid Al Adha Sacrifice campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries including The Gambia, providing food support and humanitarian relief. Halal Quality Move: SMIIC and The Gambia Standards Bureau are training stakeholders to strengthen the national halal quality infrastructure, aiming for internationally recognized certification and testing systems.

TB Update: The Gambia recorded an 8% drop in tuberculosis cases in 2025, with notifications falling from 2,860 (2024) to 2,627 (2025), but officials say the country is still far from End TB targets, with only about a 20% reduction in incidence and 21% in TB deaths since 2015. Child Protection in Court: In the ongoing child rape trial in Banjul High Court, the mother of the alleged victim testified that the 9-year-old continues school and madrasa education, describing her daily schedule and family circumstances. Power & Health Risk: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms and ISPs, with sources linking it to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta amid ongoing electricity disruptions. Public Safety Alert: Residents in Banjul North were warned about reported crocodiles in drainage systems, with authorities urging people to avoid open drains and keep children supervised. Healthcare & Compliance: Africmed International Hospital won the Gambia Revenue Authority “Healthcare Taxpayer of the Year” award for the third year in a row, citing continued professionalism and tax compliance. Halal Standards: SMIIC is in The Gambia to train stakeholders on halal quality infrastructure, aiming to strengthen certification, accreditation, and testing systems.

TB Update: The Gambia recorded an 8% drop in tuberculosis cases in 2025, with notifications falling from 2,860 (2024) to 2,627 (2025), but officials say progress toward End TB targets remains slow, with only about a 20% reduction in incidence and 21% in TB deaths since 2015. Child Protection in Court: In a Banjul High Court child rape trial, the victim’s mother testified the 9-year-old is still in school and attends madrasa nearby, with the child staying with a 19-year-old niece during school days. Public Safety Alert: Banjul North residents have been warned after reports of crocodiles in drainage systems, with authorities urging people to avoid open drains and supervise children closely. Electricity & Internet Health: A nationwide internet outage was linked to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta amid ongoing power cuts, disrupting services for major telecoms and ISPs. Healthcare Business: Africmed International Hospital won the Gambia Revenue Authority’s Healthcare Taxpayer of the Year award for the third consecutive year. Halal Quality Training: SMIIC is in The Gambia running awareness sessions and training to strengthen national halal quality infrastructure and support internationally recognized halal certification and testing.

TB Update: The Gambia recorded an 8% drop in tuberculosis notifications in 2025 (2,860 in 2024 to 2,627 in 2025), but officials say the country is still far from End TB targets, with only about 20% fewer TB cases and 21% fewer TB deaths than 2015 levels. Child Protection in Court: A mother testified in the ongoing child rape trial in Banjul, describing the child’s schooling and care arrangements as the case against Sarjo Bah continues. Power & Health Access: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, worsening frustration during ongoing electricity cuts. Public Safety: Crocodiles were reported in Banjul North drainage systems; residents are urged to avoid drains and supervise children closely. Healthcare Business Recognition: Africmed International Hospital won the GRA “Healthcare Taxpayer of the Year” award for the third year running. Nutrition & Climate: Experts urged a shift toward plant-based diets to improve food security, public health, and cut climate impacts. Eid Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid Al Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries including The Gambia.

TB Update: The Gambia recorded an 8% drop in tuberculosis notifications in 2025 (2,860 in 2024 to 2,627 in 2025), but health officials say the country is still far from End TB targets, with only about a 20% cut in incidence and 21% in TB deaths since 2015. Child Protection in Court: In the ongoing child rape trial in Banjul, the victim’s mother testified that the 9-year-old continues school and madrasa education, describing her daily routine and family circumstances. Power & Health Risk: Internet service disruptions were linked to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, worsening frustration during ongoing electricity cuts. Public Safety Alert: Banjul North residents were warned about reports of crocodiles in drainage systems, with authorities expected to deploy a response team and residents urged to avoid open drains and supervise children. Healthcare Business Recognition: Africmed International Hospital won the GRA Healthcare Taxpayer of the Year award for the third year in a row, citing continued professionalism and tax compliance.