Bissau, 28 july (ANG) – The Department of Strategic Policy and Delivery (DSPD) under the Ministry of Public Service (MoPS), in collaboration with UNICEF, convened the Mid-Year Review Meeting of the 2024-2028 Country Programme at the Ocean Bay Hotel in Cape Point, Bakau.

According to the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical) at the Ministry of Public Service, Amet Sallah, the meeting was convened to assess the progress made by government sectors in implementing the 2026 Country Programme work plan, review the challenges encountered, and identify recommendations to accelerate implementation. The meeting also sought to prioritise and agree on key work plan activities for the remainder of the year.

Declaring the meeting officially open on behalf of the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Deputy Chief of Staff Momodou K. Dibba said the partnership between the Government of The Gambia and UNICEF remains one of the country’s most enduring and productive development collaborations, playing a vital role in advancing national development priorities.

This partnership he added, has consistently placed the wellbeing of their children and the strength of their families at the centre of national development.

According to Dibba, Government values Gambia Government-UNICEF partnership deeply, not only for the resources it brings, but for the share vision, technical depth and mutual accountability that define it.

“We do not regard UNICEF as an external actor delivering services to us, we regard UNICEF as a partner working with us and we intend that this review meeting reaffirm that shared ownership,” Mr. Dibba explained

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of UNICEF, the Deputy Representative of the UNICEF Gambia Office, Armand Gnahore, said the Mid-Year Review Meeting is a key annual milestone that provides an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned, identify implementation bottlenecks and practical solutions, and strengthen collective efforts to accelerate results for children in The Gambia.

Mr. Gnahore commended the Government for its strong leadership and expressed appreciation to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and, most importantly, the children whose wellbeing the Country Programme seeks to improve.

According to Mr. Gnahore, since they set-up the coordination mechanism, DSPD has been playing a critical role in fostering inter-sectoral collaboration and supporting the timely and effective implementation and monitoring of the Country program.

He also used the opportunity to commend the Secretary to Cabinet, Alieu Njie; the Minister of Public Service, Baboucarr Bouy; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical) Amet Sallah, Co-Chair of the Technical Committee; and the entire Ministry of Public Service staff for their continued commitment to advancing the wellbeing and rights of children in The Gambia.

ANG/Gambia Daily