Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA) on Monday 23 August 2021, received a donation of materials worth three (D3m) dalasi from West Africa Health Organization (WAHO), in collaboration with (RMNCAH) Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child Adolescent a youth branch in the health ministry. The presentation was held at the GFPA Headquarters in Kanifing.

The items donated includes, conference tables, writing desks, joint visitors chairs, conference chairs, books shelves, lcd projector, complete music set, sharp television, dell computers, hp color printers, canon photographer machine, laboratory equipment among many others. He expresses his gratitude to the donors and assured that the materials will be put into good care.

Modou Njie, Permanent Secretary, Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA), said the objectives of this major activity is to strengthen the capacity of youth centers and provide the enabling environment to young people to access ASRH information and services in the most conductive manner. He said intends to provide resource materials foe the young people visiting the resource center to enable them research into ASRH issues of their concern and also facilitate those siting for terminal exams use the resources available to assist them. To provide the enabling environment to access ASRH services, increase uptake of family planning and reproductive health services by young people, provide comfort and confidentiality for its clientele.

Mr. Njie said, GFPA has been operating in 2 youth clinics in the Kanifing and West Coast Region which are the most populated regions in the country. According to him, the centers were established in 2004 and are currently being supported by UNFPA in the provision of contraceptive services including family planning. He said the provision of such items by WAHO will go a long way in meeting the needs of the young people in their quest for ASHR information and services.

Dr. Musa Marena, rep from Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), said the branch at the ministry of health is responsible to look at the youth in relation to their reproductive health issues. He said the GFPA has been in the responsibility of helping the youth for a long period. He said they have done a lot for the youth. “The support from West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) to the youth centers in Kombo and Bwiam is timely,” he said. I am urging other organizations to support the youth.”

Karamba Keita, Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical Ministry of Health, said the supported materials that are provided to Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA) will be delivered to the youth centers across the country. “The donation is funded by the WAHO through RMNCAH,” he said. He said Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA) have been a critical partner with the ministry of health in providing quality services to women in the reproductive age. “When quality of service is given to women by extension it means given quality service to children or even the unborn,” he said.

He stated that GFPA is offering very important services to women. He said the government cannot do it alone and having a partner like GFPA will ease some of the burden on the ministry of health. He said the partners can help to reach many women across the country.

Swaibou Sey, Public Relation Officer, Youth Action Movement (YAM), said they are grateful to received the materials donated by WAHO through RMNCAH. He said the donation has manifested that the young people are not left out by WAHO. He added that the materials have come at a better time and will go a long way in addressing the challenges of the youth at the centers. He assured the donors that the materials will be used wisely.  

 

By Dawda Baldeh