By Sainabou Sambou
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), convened government institutions, development partners, and key stakeholders on Wednesday to craft a national roadmap to speed up efforts to reduce maternal deaths across The Gambia.
The consultation is part of broader preparations for a presidential initiative the Vice-President is expected to launch on 27 October. UNFPA Representative Mamadou Dicko explained that the initiative stems from discussions between President Adama Barrow and the UNFPA Executive Director during the latter’s visit to the country in February. He noted that roughly 800 women die every day worldwide from preventable causes linked to pregnancy and childbirth, underscoring the urgency of coordinated action.
Dr. Fatoumatta Dibba, deputy director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said the ministry began the process after examining how other countries in the region have used national roadmaps to reduce maternal mortality. UNFPA presented the concept, which the ministry embraced, leading to the formation of a committee of government and UNFPA representatives to steer the work. Dibba stressed that cutting maternal deaths cannot fall solely on the health ministry.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, the National Population Commission Secretariat, and the National Health Insurance Authority must all play active roles.
She reported that maternal mortality has fallen from approximately 430 deaths per 100,000 live births to 289, with recent service data showing 129 deaths per 100,000 live births. Sustained efforts will still be required to reach the 2030 target.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Yusupha Touray described maternal and newborn deaths as persistent public health challenges. Shortages of skilled personnel and limited availability of emergency obstetric and newborn care continue to strain the system. He reaffirmed the government’s priority of reducing maternal, neonatal, and child mortality while reinforcing primary healthcare.
Babucarr Jobe, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, underlined the need for adequate and dependable funding. He said the roadmap must be properly costed and aligned with national development priorities and the annual budget. Jobe urged greater investment in emergency obstetric care, skilled midwives, referral and transport systems, essential medicines, and well-equipped facilities. He also appealed to development partners and the private sector to back government efforts, noting that predictable funding is critical to maintaining essential services.
The multi-stakeholder gathering marks a concrete step toward a comprehensive, costed national plan that addresses both clinical gaps and the wider social, economic, and environmental factors driving maternal mortality in The Gambia.
