In a significant development for Gambia's healthcare sector, Dr. Aminata Gassama, Director of Health Services within the Ministry of Health, met yesterday with Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Ceesay, Director of the Zayed Regional Center for Sight Saving in Banjul. The meeting, held at the Ministry's headquarters, centered on exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration in tackling vision-related challenges in the Gambia.
Dr. Gassama acknowledged the Zayed Center's longstanding contributions to improving eye health services in the country. Established in 1997 through a joint initiative between the Gambian government and the UAE-based Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable Foundation, the Center has provided vital ophthalmic care to countless Gambians.
The discussions highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the growing burden of eye diseases in the Gambia. Cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are leading causes of vision loss, significantly impacting the lives of individuals and placing a strain on the healthcare system.
Dr. Gassama emphasized the importance of preventive measures, including public awareness campaigns and school-based eye health screenings. She also underscored the need for capacity building initiatives to train more Gambian ophthalmologists and optometrists.
Mrs. Bah-Ceesay expressed the Center's commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health to achieve these goals. The Center's state-of-the-art facilities and team of qualified professionals position it to play a key role in strengthening Gambia's eye care delivery system.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both parties to explore the possibility of joint outreach programs to reach underserved communities across the country. Additionally, discussions were held on potential collaborations in research and data collection to gain a deeper understanding of the prevalent eye health issues in The Gambia.
This meeting signifies a renewed focus on improving eye health outcomes in The Gambia. By combining the expertise of the Ministry of Health and the Zayed Regional Center for Sight Saving, the country can move closer to ensuring access to quality eye care services for all its citizens.