By Fatou Dahaba
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) celebrated six decades of partnership with The Gambia on Monday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, under the theme “60 Years of Shared Commitment, 60 Years of Progress for The Gambia’s Children”.
Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow, who graced the occasion alongside senior government officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, and representatives of children, hailed UNICEF’s “enduring presence and steady commitment” that has shaped generations of Gambians.
“Today, a child born in even the most rural parts of The Gambia has access to life-saving vaccines,” the Vice President said, crediting UNICEF’s support in vaccine procurement, cold-chain logistics, community mobilisation, and health-system strengthening. He described the National Immunisation Programme as “a model of success” and stressed that “a healthy child is a core investment for the growth of our nation”.
Success stories over the past 60 years, he added, are woven into public-service achievements in health, education, justice, and child protection.
Ms Ramou Ndure, UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa, saluted the strong Government-UNICEF relationship but urged faster adaptation to emerging challenges. “Words must translate into action,” she said, calling for innovation and collective effort to meet children’s evolving needs.
UN Resident Coordinator Karl Frédérick Paul acknowledged gains in education, child rights, and sanitation, yet warned that progress remains insufficient. “Setbacks are still active,” he noted, framing the anniversary as a moment for all stakeholders to redouble efforts so that “every child’s voice becomes the compass guiding our development aspirations”.
Children’s voices were prominently featured. Babucarr Sowe, Speaker of the Children’s National Assembly, thanked UNICEF for empowering young people but issued a sharp reminder: “Children’s protection laws are being broken without penalties. Children are being neglected by our society.” He demanded full enforcement of ratified conventions, inclusive education, safe water, quality healthcare, and protection from violence.
Nafisa Binte Shafique, UNICEF Country Representative, paid tribute to the government and its partners for 60 years of collaboration that have significantly boosted child survival rates and advanced children’s rights across the country.
With 54 percent of Gambians under 18, speakers agreed that the anniversary is more than a celebration—it is an urgent call for acceleration, innovation, and courage.
“This is not only a moment for reflection, but a moment to act with greater speed and boldness for every child,” Ms Shafique said, as dignitaries and children renewed their shared pledge for a better future.
