VP Jallow Celebrates Six Decades of Gambia–UNICEF Partnership, Calls for Renewed Commitment to Children’s Future
By Mariatou Ngum & Abdou Mbye
In a stirring celebration of dedication and progress, The Gambia on Monday, 17 November, marked a historic milestone — 60 years of unwavering partnership with UNICEF, a collaboration His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia described it as “a diamond relationship forged in shared vision and cemented by consistent action.”
Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, Vice President Jallow delivered a powerful statement on behalf of President Adama Barrow, praising UNICEF’s six decades of steadfast work in transforming the lives of Gambian children.
Addressing an audience that included Cabinet Ministers, UN officials, Diplomats, National Assembly Members, Civil Society actors, and young representatives, the Vice President reflected on the profound impact of this long-standing partnership.
“Today, we celebrate six decades of unwavering dedication, profound impact, and a strong partnership that has been foundational to the development of our nation’s children,” he declared.
A Legacy Rooted in Health, Education, and Protection
VP Jallow highlighted UNICEF’s critical role in strengthening The Gambia’s health sector, noting that the nation’s immunization success stories “are woven into the very fabric of our public service achievements.”
Through vaccine procurement, cold-chain support, community mobilization, and health system strengthening, UNICEF has helped ensure that children from the most remote regions receive life-saving vaccines.
“A healthy child is a core investment for the growth of our nation,” he emphasized.
In education, UNICEF’s interventions from classroom construction to teacher training, digital learning tools, and support for girls and children with disabilities have significantly reinforced the country’s pursuit of inclusive and equitable learning.
VP Jallow also recognized UNICEF’s vital work in child protection, applauding its efforts in strengthening legal frameworks, promoting birth registration, and shaping policies against harmful practices. These contributions, he noted, have ensured that children’s rights under the CRC, ACRWC, and the Children’s Act 2005 are increasingly realized.
A Future of Shared Ambitions
As UNICEF marks its 60th anniversary in The Gambia, the Vice President stressed the importance of sustaining joint efforts, especially in areas such as climate change adaptation, water and sanitation, nutrition, social protection, child safety, and inclusive education.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan, the SDGs, and the UNICEF–Gambia Country Programme Document (2024–2028).
“We count on our strategic partnership as we invest in digital literacy, close the zero-dose gap, reach the last mile to end open defecation, reduce deprivation, support malnourished children, and amplify children’s voices,” he noted.
“The Best Is Yet to Come”
In a hopeful conclusion, Vice President Jallow declared that the Gambia–UNICEF partnership remains as strong as ever.
“The best is yet to come. May this diamond partnership continue to shine for the next 60 years and beyond.”
He reaffirmed the government’s enduring pledge:
“We will continue to work with UNICEF to ensure that every child survives, grows, and thrives to their fullest potential.”
The event concluded with a celebratory tribute to UNICEF’s remarkable six-decade journey in The Gambia — a journey defined by progress, partnership, and an unwavering commitment to the nation’s children.