On September 20, 2024, the National AIDS Secretariat (NAS) and the Banjul City Council (BCC) convened a stakeholders meeting in Banjul aimed at enhancing collaboration in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The meeting focused on key areas such as resource mobilization, community engagement, and strategic implementation within the Greater Banjul Area and its surroundings.
Officials highlighted the Gambian government’s commitment to reducing HIV/AIDS transmission, emphasizing the integration of this initiative into the national development agenda. The government has decentralized its response efforts by establishing Municipal and Regional AIDS Coordinators across all six regions to streamline local efforts.
Abdou Aziz Dabakh Gaye, the deputy Mayor of BCC, reaffirmed the council’s dedication to supporting HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. He stated, “Through continuous collaboration and collective action, we can sustain this momentum, especially within the Greater Banjul Area.”
Gibril Sanneh, chairperson of the municipal AIDS committee, urged local councils to enhance their involvement in awareness campaigns, noting the vulnerability of urban areas to HIV/AIDS due to dense populations. He emphasized the importance of empowering residents with knowledge about prevention, testing, and treatment, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Lamin Badjie, a monitoring and evaluation specialist at NAS, echoed the need for widespread awareness, stating, “HIV affects everyone either directly or indirectly. We must work together as one force to effectively combat HIV/AIDS.”
This collaboration aims to significantly reduce transmission rates and improve the overall health and well-being of the city’s residents through sustained efforts and partnerships.
