The Animal Welfare Network has named the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services (GFRS) and Mr. Salifu Jallow joint recipients of the 2026 Animal Welfare Advocate of the Year, marking the seventh consecutive year of the nationwide honor established in 2019.
The award recognizes exceptional leadership, community engagement, and compassionate action advancing animal health, safety, and ethical treatment across The Gambia. It highlights two complementary pillars of animal welfare: emergency response and youth education.
The Gambia Fire and Rescue Services were honored for their courage, technical skill, and operational dedication in life-saving animal rescues nationwide. Personnel operating from Farafenni to Basse frequently enter high-hazard confined spaces and conduct well retrievals under the guiding principle that “no rescue is too small,” setting an example for public safety institutions.
Mr. Salifu Jallow, Teacher Coordinator of the Lead-Yalding Animal Welfare Association (LYAWA), was recognized for his pioneering work as an educator. He has introduced more than 500 students to responsible animal care and guided dozens through structured technical modules. His efforts have embedded animal welfare values in school communities, mentored the next generation of advocates, and expanded humane education across the country.
The Animal Welfare Advocate of the Year award began in 2019 with its first recipient, Mr. Usman Bajo of the Department of Agriculture, who pioneered school animal welfare clubs in the Upper River Region. Since then, the honor has celebrated grassroots champions, civil society initiatives, and public-sector leaders who connect animal health, public safety, and community well-being under One Health and One Welfare frameworks.
The formal presentation will take place later this year alongside the 10th Anniversary Commemoration of the Animal Welfare Advocates Association of The Gambia (AWAAG). The joint event will mark a decade of structured animal advocacy while presenting trophies and citations to GFRS and Mr. Jallow. Dr. Buba Badjie and Dr. Kebba Daffeh sponsored and donated the 2026 awards.
The Animal Welfare Network is a collaborative alliance of civil society organizations, veterinary professionals, educators, and individuals working nationwide on animal health, public education, and community outreach. Dr. Kebba Daffeh, Animal Welfare Network Coordinator, issued the announcement.
