Hope Life International holds day-long sensitization on Asthma
By Sulayman Waan
Hope Life International, a civil society organization in The Gambian on Thursday 27 February 2025 sensitized stakeholders on asthma. The gathering was held at NaNA Conference Hall in Bakau.
The forum attracted participants from the Health Ministry, National Environmental Agency (NEA), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), teachers, among others. It focused on Environmental Pollution and Prevention as related to risk of Asthma infection in the community; lived experience of living as asthmatic in The Gambia, asthma and respiratory disease and prevention.
In his welcoming remarks, Joseph I. Awuru, executive director of Hope Life International said the organization aims to support the less privileged; help people in disaster; raise awareness; help to empower the average Gambians and provide sustainable projects for the poor.
“Since 2008/09 we have been sponsoring students, distributed humanitarian aid and we have been sensitizing people on Female Genital Mutilation (GFM),” he noted.
Moving forward, he said the sensitization was meant to equip participants with the needed skills and knowledge on asthma, and its related matters.
“The activity also helps to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders in the health sector to integrate asthma into the national health policies and frameworks of multi-sectoral taskforces on asthma,” he said.
He urged participants to make good use of the session and help to disseminate the gained knowledge to the wider population.
In his presentation, Morris Anymi, executive director of the Child and Environment Development Association, told participants that the best gift to a child is to ensure their good health and social protection.
“Before one start anything for a child he or she should ensure their good health. It is the most important thing on earth,” he said.
He said there is a need for all to understand their asthmatic status and that of their children.
“There is a need for more advocacy to encourage active participation at community level to promote a sense of ownership and responsibility in creating a healthier environment for children with asthma,” he informed.
Further presenting, he advised CSOs to increase community engagement and participation in asthma management initiatives, supporting in establishing a support network; community driven advocacy efforts and a sustainable framework for agencies involved in asthma education and environmental integration with communities.
Abdou Saho, programme officer at Directorate of Health Promotion and Education described the sensitization as significant. He said the Health Ministry, National Environmental Agency and relevant stakeholders are working harder to ensure a healthy environment for all.
“The Ministry of Health has an open-door policy for all CSOs working in the area of health,” he said.
SW/COB/05/03/25
