Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Vice President Mohammed BS Jallow on Wednesday, April 2, conducted a comprehensive assessment tour of key national institutions, gaining firsthand insights into their progress and the challenges they face. The visit underscored both the achievements and obstacles in vital sectors such as population management, nutrition, social protection, disaster response, and food safety.

The tour included stops at the National Population Commission Secretariat (NPCS), National Nutrition Agency (NaNa), National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQS), and the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Center (NCCRM).

At the NPCS in Banjul, officials detailed advancements in demographic data management and ongoing efforts to improve population-related policies. Moving on to NaNa, Director Malang Fofana highlighted key nutrition programs and their role in addressing food insecurity and public health challenges.

The Food Safety and Quality Assurance complex visit revealed both successes in enforcing food standards and difficulties in meeting international benchmarks due to resource constraints. Similarly, discussions at NCCRM focused on the center’s critical role in monitoring potential crises and enhancing national preparedness, despite operational limitations.

At NSPA, the Executive Director presented innovations in social protection, including the Adaptive Social Protection System, which strengthens the agency’s ability to support vulnerable populations. The NDMA visit in Kanifing provided insights into disaster preparedness and response strategies, with Executive Director Sanna Dahaba emphasizing the need for stronger resilience measures in the face of natural and man-made disasters.

Vice President Jallow commended the dedication of the agencies’ staff and acknowledged the remarkable strides made in their respective fields. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the identified challenges and strengthening these institutions to better serve the Gambian people.

The visit not only reinforced the government’s focus on enhancing public service effectiveness but also highlighted the need for sustained investment in key sectors to ensure long-term resilience and efficiency in national development efforts.