National Health Promotion and Education Policy for The Gambia 2013-2020

CONTENT

The National Health Promotion and Education Policy (2013–2020) of The Gambia aims to empower individuals and communities to take control of their health and its determinants. It seeks to reduce preventable deaths, disabilities, and illnesses through multi-sectoral health promotion interventions.

Specific Objectives

1. Policy Framework: Strengthen the Ministry of Health's role in coordinating health promotion activities.

2. Mainstreaming Health Promotion: Integrate health promotion across sectors to address preventable causes of illness and death.

3. Capacity Building: Enhance health promotion capacity at individual, community, and institutional levels.

4. Communication and Advocacy: Support health communication, social mobilization, and advocacy efforts.

5. Innovative Financing: Establish sustainable funding mechanisms for health promotion interventions.

6. Research and Evidence: Promote health promotion research and disseminate best practices.

7. Multi-Sectoral Actions: Strengthen partnerships and community participation to protect and promote health.

8. Legislative Support: Implement policies and laws that support health promotion.

Summary

The policy provides a comprehensive framework to address health challenges in The Gambia, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health issues, and environmental health risks. It emphasizes the importance of empowering communities, fostering partnerships, and integrating health promotion into various sectors.

Key strategies include:

• Strengthening institutional capacity and coordination mechanisms.

• Promoting community participation and ownership of health initiatives.

• Enhancing communication and advocacy to raise awareness and drive behavior change.

• Establishing sustainable financing and legislative frameworks to support health promotion.

The policy aligns with national development goals, such as Vision 2020 and the Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE), and international commitments like the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It envisions a healthier population contributing to socio-economic development.