Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The First Lady of The Gambia, Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, has called for health to be recognized not merely as the absence of disease but as a fundamental human right and a pathway for individuals to live full and dignified lives.
“Health is not just the absence of illness; it is the presence of opportunity—the chance for every person to live a full, productive, and dignified life,” Mrs. Barrow said on Monday at the 12th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, held at the Banjul International Conference Centre.
The three-day conference brought together African and Asian First Ladies, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and media practitioners to explore strategies for strengthening health systems, empowering women, and cultivating future healthcare leaders.
Building Human Capacity in Healthcare
The First Lady praised the Merck Foundation for its collaboration with The Gambia, noting that about 100 Gambian doctors have received scholarships in specialized areas such as oncology, fertility and embryology, reproductive health, respiratory care, infectious diseases, and pediatrics.
“This initiative is helping us build a stronger medical workforce for the future,” she said, while also stressing the need for continuous education, specialized training, and adequate resources to enable doctors, nurses, midwives, and technicians to deliver quality care.
The Role of Media in Public Health
Mrs. Barrow further highlighted the importance of responsible journalism in shaping public health awareness. She urged media practitioners to embrace ethical and fact-based reporting, warning that misinformation can cost lives, especially during health crises.
“Journalists have the power to inform, educate, and inspire action, but they must be well-equipped to do so ethically and accurately,” she said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to maternal and neonatal health, women’s empowerment, and continental cooperation in healthcare, urging nations to share knowledge and invest in the next generation of African health professionals.
Government and Foundation Commitments
Speaking on behalf of President Adama Barrow, Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow emphasized the pivotal role of African First Ladies in advancing health, education, and social welfare.
He commended The Gambia’s partnership with the Merck Foundation, which he said has strengthened healthcare systems, expanded access to essential services, and trained medical professionals. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s and girls’ empowerment through free education, increased leadership opportunities, and social welfare programs.
“First Ladies are agents of change whose leadership inspires future generations, strengthens communities, and builds a healthier, more equitable Africa,” VP Jallow said.
Merck Foundation’s Impact
Professor Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation, noted that the Luminary serves as a platform to share experiences and success stories in healthcare, infertility stigma reduction, and girls’ education.
Since 2012, he said, the foundation has awarded more than 2,400 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical medical specialties, with many graduates becoming the first specialists in their countries.
Highlighting initiatives such as the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign and the “Educating Linda” program, he underscored the foundation’s commitment to breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, promoting girls’ education, and tackling gender-based violence.
“Together, we are making a difference to lead the world to a healthier and better future,” Dr. Stangenberg-Haverkamp concluded.
