By: Nyima Sillah
World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in the Gambia, Dr. Desta Tiruneh has disclosed that the Gambia has reported 160 suspected measles cases from January to May 2023.
The WHO Rep disclosed this on Wednesday at the two-day Ministry of Health organized training in collaboration with the WHO regional office in Brazzaville on the training of national measles verification committee members on challenges and solutions to measles.
Addressing the gathering at Bakadaji Hotel, Dr. Tiruneh said “From January to May 2023 we have already reported 160 suspected measles cases, and out of this 19 were laboratory confirmed as measles which shows that transmission is ongoing and there is an immunization gap.”
Dr. Tiruneh stated that alarming out risks have been recorded in four regions in the past 3years including western region one and western region two which are intensively populated. “This highlights the urgency of our efforts to improve the measles vaccination rate and strengthen our surveillance system.”
Meanwhile, addressing this challenge, WHO Rep said they must reiterate their commitment to the global and regional level goals of measles elimination, noting In 2020 WHO and global stakeholders endorsed an immunization strategy and agenda for 2021-2030 with a call focus on regional target.
He pointed out that measles serves as an indicator of the health system’s ability to deliver essential schedules services on vaccines, and the African Region is working towards the elimination of measles by 2030 as outlined by the regional strategy plan and immunization in 2021-2030.
“In line with this objective, the Gambia took a significant step forward in its fight against measles by establishing a national verification committee for measles elimination on April 4th this year.”
Dr. Desta Tiruneh stated that the national verification committee’s role is very important as the committee will support the documentation of measles elimination or support necessary documentation and reports for regional verification meetings.
Dr. Tiruneh, therefore, assured the support of WHO at the regional, country, or global level, saying they are fully committed to providing necessary technical support for measles surveillance and national verification committee. “Together with our collective efforts, we can achieve the goal of eliminating measles in the Gambia.”
Deputy Director of Health Services at MOH, Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi, highlighted the significance of the training saying, that the training provides them valuable opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on strategies that will further enhance their ability to deliver high-quality health care services.
“It is through open constructive dialogue that we can identify challenges, explore innovative solutions and ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of our country,” Deputy Director Nyassi added.
