The Gambia is developing a costed national roadmap to accelerate the reduction of maternal mortality, with the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) calling for coordinated action, sustainable financing and stronger healthcare services to prevent avoidable deaths.
The call was made during a two-day national stakeholder consultation held on October 14 and 15, 2026, at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, bringing together government officials, development partners, financial institutions, health experts and civil society representatives to agree on priority interventions ahead of the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Accelerating the Reduction of Maternal Mortality.
The consultations are expected to produce a costed national roadmap and investment case outlining priority actions, responsibilities, resource requirements and mechanisms for monitoring progress towards ending preventable maternal deaths.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Permanent Secretary Dr Yusupha Touray said maternal and newborn mortality remained a persistent challenge despite investments in healthcare infrastructure, referral systems, essential medicines and specialist training.
He highlighted shortages of skilled health personnel and gaps in emergency obstetric and newborn care, stressing the need to improve service quality, workforce deployment and access to essential services, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
Touray said the Ministry’s 2026–2030 health sector strategy prioritised preventing avoidable maternal deaths, addressing unmet family planning needs and strengthening accountability and equity in healthcare delivery.
He also cited investments in modern health facilities, ambulance services and the procurement of essential medicines as part of government efforts to improve maternal and newborn health.
UNFPA Resident Representative Mamadou Dicko said the consultation was a critical step towards translating political commitment into practical, measurable interventions. He disclosed that the Presidential Initiative followed discussions between President Adama Barrow and the UNFPA Regional Director during her visit to The Gambia in February 2026.
Dicko said the initiative would support the implementation of the Regional Roadmap for the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality for 2025–2029 within the Gambian context.
He called for improved emergency obstetric care, more equitable deployment of midwives and other skilled health workers, stronger referral systems and sustainable financing. He also urged stakeholders to address adolescent pregnancies, gender-based violence and harmful practices affecting women’s health.
Meanwhile, Dr Fatoumata Dibba, Deputy Director of Health Services, said the country had made progress in reducing maternal mortality. She cited recent service data indicating a figure of 129 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with earlier figures of more than 430 and 289.
However, she warned that The Gambia remained above the World Health Organisation’s target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Representing the Minister, Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Babucarr Jobe pledged support for a road map with realistic cost and urged stakeholders to ensure the roadmap is properly costed and aligned with national budget priorities.
He further emphasised predictable domestic financing, efficient public spending and investment in skilled midwives, blood supplies, referral transport and essential medicines.