“We also take much pride in our achievements in the areas of education and health. This far, a total of four hundred and twenty-four (424) new schools have been constructed, along with six thousand, four hundred (6,400) new classrooms to meet the growing educational needs of Gambian children.
As a result, the education sector has recorded inspiring progress, with gross enrolment rates reaching one hundred and two, point eight percent (102.8%) at the Lower Basic level and above fifty percent (50%) at the Upper Basic and Secondary Education levels. This confirms the Government’s successes in breaking down barriers, expanding access to education, and creating opportunities for every Gambian child to succeed.
We have similarly made tremendous strides toward achieving affordable and quality Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The progressive rollout of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the recently inaugurated state-of-the-art, fully equipped health facilities across the country are crucial steps towards realising this goal.
I am pleased to announce that over one hundred (100) doctors are currently specialising in various disciplines at The Gambia Medical School (UTG).
Also, other healthcare professionals are receiving in-country training in various areas or specialisation to improve service delivery. These high points mark a new era in healthcare services in the country and provide evidence of a truly strengthened health sector.
As the backbone of our economy, Agriculture is critical for food security and national development. It is thus reassuring that, except for groundnuts, agricultural production has surged through well-targeted government interventions.
Although these impressive achievements highlight progress, they are tempered by high unemployment and poverty level rates, which contribute to irregular migration and crime.
To resolve these challenges, my government will committedly continue expanding livelihood opportunities.”
