Banjul, The Gambia - In a heartfelt gesture of recognition and gratitude, Dr. Desta Tiruneh, the esteemed WHO Representative for Gambia since 2017, was bid farewell with sincere regards by His Excellency, Vice President Muhammad B. S. Jallow, ahead of his departure from The Gambia to Zimbabwe to undertake his new role as WHO Country Representative. This significant dispatch marks the end of Dr. Tiruneh's tenure in The Gambia, where he has left an indelible mark on the nation's health landscape.

In a meeting on Tuesday with Vice President Jallow and other members of his staff, a comprehensive discussion ensued, encompassing a spectrum of issues pertinent to health development within The Gambia. Vice President Jallow lauded Dr. Tiruneh's leadership, acknowledging WHO's profound impact in the healthcare sector of The Gambia and the robust foundation he has laid for the advancement of the health sector. He hailed Dr. Tiruneh's remarkable contributions, attributing numerous achievements in healthcare to his visionary leadership during his tenure.

Expressing gratitude, Vice President Jallow extended appreciation to the World Health Organization (WHO) for its steadfast support and unwavering partnership with the government of The Gambia. He commended the WHO's pivotal role in fortifying healthcare structures and enhancing the well-being of Gambians, affirming the government's unwavering commitment to prioritize and sustain the delivery of quality healthcare services to its populace.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Tiruneh highlighted the collaborative efforts between the WHO and the Gambian government, emphasizing the pivotal role of President Barrow, Vice President Jallow, and the government of Gambia in fostering an enabling environment for WHO initiatives. The outgoing WHO country representative also commended The Gambia for its warm hospitality and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare. He expressed profound gratitude to the Gambian government for its monumental efforts in strengthening the healthcare system. Specifically, he highlighted initiatives such as the immunization program, safeguarding children from communicable diseases; tobacco control measures, which have not only reduced tobacco usage but also generated new sources of revenue; the establishment of an oxygen plant, ensuring self-sufficiency and substantial savings in import costs; and the overall reduction in maternal mortality rates.

Dr. Tiruneh emphasized that these endeavors underscore the government's steadfast dedication to enhancing healthcare in The Gambia, marking a truly remarkable testament to progress in the nation's healthcare landscape.

As doors closed on the meeting, Dr. Tiruneh's departure marks the end of an era in The Gambia's healthcare landscape, as he transitions to assume new responsibilities in Zimbabwe. His legacy of foresight and leadership in decentralizing healthcare services resonates as a beacon of progress, ensuring equitable access to WHO support across the nation.