The National Health Policy of The Gambia aligns with the country’s development goals outlined in the National Development Plan. It aims to improve living standards by transforming the nation into a dynamic middle-income economy. This policy focuses on achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health, including reducing maternal and child mortality rates, combating HIV/AIDS, and assisting orphans. Emphasis is placed on developing human capital, with health as a key component.
The policy is centered around “Building Partnerships for Quality Health Care for All” and aims to provide quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare through Primary Health Care. Challenges facing the health sector include high population growth, the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate resources, and poor health-seeking behaviors due to poverty and ignorance.