By: Isatou Sarr
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) has ordered the immediate closure of Daara Madina Suwaneh, a Quranic school in Brufut Heights, following a confirmed outbreak of scabies affecting more than half of the students examined.
According to the Ministry of Health, 101 minors were screened at the school, with 57 testing positive for scabies a contagious skin infection that can spread quickly in crowded conditions.
In a statement issued over the weekend, MoBSE said it had moved swiftly to safeguard the health of all students. Those diagnosed with scabies have been referred for urgent medical treatment, while unaffected students have been relocated to an alternative Quranic school to ensure their education continues uninterrupted.
The Ministry also announced the launch of a joint investigation into the outbreak, working closely with the Ministry of Health and the National Coordinators for Madarasa and Majalis Education. The inquiry aims to uncover the root causes of the outbreak, examine living and learning conditions, and recommend actions to prevent future incidents in similar institutions.
With a view towards strengthening the health and safety of students nationwide, MoBSE says it plans to develop Minimum Standards Regulations for all Basic and Secondary Education service providers. These regulations, MoBSE discloses will be formulated in partnership with Madarasa and Majalis Education associations and it will ensure consistent compliance and promote better living conditions for children enrolled in Quranic schools across the country.
“The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding the health and educational welfare of all students in The Gambia,” the statement noted. “Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
