By: Awa Conteh
In this week’s episode of Gambian Trailblazers, we are honored to feature Modou Njai, a prominent figure in public health. Modou’s work spans three decades and has substantially impacted the health systems of The Gambia and West Africa.
Modou’s career from district public health officer to National Coordinator for the Africa CDC Saving Lives and Livelihood Programme exemplifies devotion, innovation, and leadership. Join us as we explore his inspiring contributions to health promotion, innovative strategies for advancing public health, and the driving forces behind his dedication to fostering healthier communities.
Modou Njai is originally from Badibou Noo-Kunda in the North Bank Region of The Gambia. Born in Mandinary village on April 14, 1972, Modou was brought up in Bundung Kunda after his family moved through several regions, including Foni Bullenghat, Kololi, and Mandinary. He attended Sukuta Primary School from 1980 to 1985, Nusrat High School from 1985 to 1990, and The Gambia College School of Public Health from 1990 to 1993, where he earned a Certificate in Public and Environmental Health and a West Africa Diploma in Public Health.
Mr. Njai furthered his education in the Netherlands at the Wageningen International Agricultural Centre, obtaining a Post-graduate Diploma in Food and Nutrition Security and Project Planning and Proposal Writing in 2001. He later pursued an MSc in Public Health – Health Promotion at Leeds Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom from 2005 to 2007.
His additional qualifications include a Certificate in Social Policy for Development Planners from the United Nations African Institute for Economic Development Planning in 2018 and a Certificate in Strengthening Contemporary School Health, Nutrition, and HIV Prevention Programmes from the Kenya Medical Research Institute in 2007. He also holds certificates in Cardiovascular Health and Chronic Disease Prevention, Participatory Communication and Development, Crisis Communication and Rumour Management, and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Emergency Risk Communication.
Modou Njai was motivated to pursue advanced studies and certifications in public health due to his extensive interaction with communities while planning and implementing health projects. His roles as a District Public Health Officer, Health Education Officer, and Nutrition Programme Coordinator fueled his passion for further training in Public Health, Health Promotion, Food and Nutrition Security, Project Planning and Proposal Writing, and Health Communication.
‘The love for the profession and encouragement received from superiors both within and outside the Ministry of Health also motivated me to pursue advanced training in the field of public health,’ Mr. Njai told The Alkamba Times.
One of Modou Njai’s major achievements as the Director of Health Promotion and Education at the Ministry of Health in The Gambia was the establishment of the Directorate of Health Promotion and Education in July 2012. This was the first time such a directorate was created in the country, equipped with the necessary human, material, and financial resources and tools and instruments aligned with the World Health Organization’s Resolution on Health Promotion. He was also instrumental in setting up the Health Journalists Association of The Gambia with the late Journalist Pa Modou Faal.
Under his leadership, the Directorate gained recognition at both national and international levels. The Directorate now has structures at the National, Regional, District, and Community levels to support the planning and implementation of health promotion interventions throughout The Gambia. This achievement has brought significant recognition to Mr. Njai and his team across the African continent and beyond.
Modou Njai’s extensive experience in public health and health promotion and his deep knowledge of the West Africa region led him to his current role as the National Coordinator for the Africa CDC Saving Lives and Livelihoods Programme. His successful performance in both interviews and written tests helped secure this position. Additionally, Modou serves as the Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion Technical Area Lead at the Africa CDC Regional Coordination Centre for West Africa in Abuja, Nigeria.
Before joining Africa CDC as a staff member, Modou coordinated several significant initiatives, including the Africa CDC Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing (PACT) Initiative in 2020. He led the Community Health Worker TRACE and Community Engagement, training and deploying over 800 community health workers across The Gambia during the COVID-19 pandemic. His Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) expertise has made him a valuable trainer for Africa CDC, conducting workshops across Africa in countries such as Tunisia, Senegal, Cameroon, and Malawi.
“The role is indeed challenging, and I must deal with many countries in West Africa and beyond and plan and implement activities. Sometimes, getting real-time information is challenging, but these challenges have been overcome with time. Relationships have been built and strengthened with member states, and this makes the work easier», he said.
Modou Njai has significantly impacted the communities he has served, both in The Gambia and across West Africa. In The Gambia, he and his team established sustainable health promotion and education structures and trained community interpersonal communication networks, such as traditional communicators, community drama groups, and hygiene promoters. The Ministry of Health and other organizations utilize these networks to disseminate health messages effectively.
In his career in public health, Modou Njai has faced several challenges, drawing from the field’s complex nature. The field aims to prevent disease, prolong life, and promote health through organized community efforts. These challenges have shaped him into a resilient and dedicated public health professional.
Coordinating health programs across multiple countries in West Africa was another significant challenge. Modou built strong networks and collaborations with various stakeholders, which helped streamline the planning and implementation of health interventions. These challenges have shaped him into a determined and innovative public health leader. His ability to overcome obstacles through collaboration, resourcefulness, and dedication has advanced his career and significantly impacted public health in The Gambia and West Africa.
The principles of Primary Health Care (PHC), which emphasize accessible healthcare, public participation, health promotion, and equity, continue to guide public health efforts. Modou anticipates that future public health initiatives will increasingly focus on preventive, promotive, rehabilitative, and protective care to reduce the reliance on curative services. Through a multisectoral approach, strengthening partnerships and collaborations will be essential to tackle challenges like non-communicable diseases, mental health, waste management, environmental protection, and food safety.
Modou Njai emphasizes that working with communities as a District Public Health Officer requires vigilance and inclusiveness. He believes that implementing the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches should be fundamental to the roles and responsibilities of public health officers at national, regional, and district levels. These approaches involve collaborating across various government sectors and engaging with all segments of society to address health challenges effectively.
“My advice to the young public health officers for them to understand that public health Public is about putting the interest of the public first, integrity, honesty, determination, consistency, innovation, and above all to be firm with your decision,” Mr. Njai said.
Modou Njai’s aspirations for the future in public health reflect a comprehensive vision for advancing health systems and outcomes in The Gambia and across Africa. Having started his career as a junior district public health officer in 1993, Modou has accumulated much experience working in various communities. His future goals are centered around several critical areas aimed at enhancing public health infrastructure and effectiveness, such as cultivating a well-trained public health workforce in The Gambia, immunization coverages, improving water and sanitation infrastructure, and a revitalized Primary Health Care (PHC) system that is equitable and collaborative, among others.
As we wrap up this insightful episode of Gambian Trailblazers, we reflect on the remarkable contributions of Modou Njai to the field of public health. His commitment to developing a skilled workforce, advancing immunization efforts, and improving health infrastructure underscores a profound dedication to enhancing community well-being. Modou’s vision for a sustainable and equitable public health system addresses current challenges and sets a roadmap for future progress. His journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can make in transforming health systems and improving lives. We hope his story inspires others to pursue excellence and innovation in public health.
Thank you so much for the services, I am inspired by your achievements and work experience.
Wishing you good luck in your future endeavours.