Raid The Gambia

Banjul City

The project description
  • Published
  • ServicesWe collaborate with government, public health professionals, and community leaders to develop and advocate for impactful policies, like smoke-free environments, to protect public health.
  • Industry
Protecting Public Health: RAID Gambia Leads the Charge for Smoke-Free Environments (1998)

RAID - The Gambia, in collaboration with partners including the Ministry of Health and with the invaluable support of Edrissa Samba Sallah, spearheaded the advocacy efforts that led to the enactment of the Ban on Public Smoking Act in The Gambia. With additional support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), this collaborative endeavor marked a pivotal moment in the country's tobacco control initiatives and efforts to safeguard public health. The Ban on Public Smoking Act aimed to address the growing concerns surrounding the adverse effects of tobacco smoke on both smokers and non-smokers alike. Through rigorous advocacy campaigns and strategic partnerships, RAID - The Gambia worked tirelessly alongside the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the health hazards associated with secondhand smoke and the importance of implementing smoke-free environments. The passage of the Ban on Public Smoking Act was made possible through the dedication and perseverance of advocates like Edrissa Samba Sallah, who brought the initiative to the national assembly as a private member bill. This legislative milestone, supported by RAID - The Gambia and its partners, underscored the government's commitment to promoting public health and preventing the harmful effects of tobacco use. RAID - The Gambia's advocacy efforts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, played a pivotal role in mobilizing support from key stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public. Through targeted advocacy campaigns, community outreach programs, and engagement with decision-makers, RAID - The Gambia effectively highlighted the urgency and importance of enacting comprehensive tobacco control measures. Moreover, the support from UNFPA provided vital resources and expertise, enabling RAID - The Gambia and its partners to amplify their advocacy efforts and drive meaningful change at the policy level. The collaboration between RAID - The Gambia, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders exemplified the power of strategic partnerships in advancing public health agendas and addressing pressing health challenges. The Ban on Public Smoking Act, with Edrissa Samba Sallah's leadership and the collaborative efforts of RAID - The Gambia, its partners, and the Ministry of Health, served as a cornerstone in The Gambia's broader tobacco control strategy. It laid the foundation for subsequent legislative and policy interventions aimed at reducing tobacco use and protecting public health. This landmark achievement represents the collective commitment of stakeholders to foster a healthier and safer society for all Gambians.

raidthegambia.org
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