HOW DOES THE GAMBIA GOVERNMENT EXPLAIN THE TREND IN THE DECLINE OF INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE?
A Press release has been issued that a visiting delegation from the United Nations AIDS office based in Senegal has disclosed that the UNAIDS Country office in The Gambia will be closed down in September 2013. The Gambia is reported to be the only country in West Africa whose Country Office is being closed.
UNAIDShas been supporting the programmes of the Gambia Governmentin terms of HIV/AIDS prevention and support to those living with HIV/AIDS. 30 thousand Gambians are reported to be living with HIV/AIDS. Many others may be affected who may not have disclosed their status and many have died.
It is reported that there is no scientific cure for HIV and the country relies on Anti Retroviral (ARV)drugs and proper nutrition for those who are HIV infected. The GAMNASS Coordinator expressed his fears that the closure of the Country Office may put the country at risk since the Global Fundprogramme will be phasing out come 2014.
In the same vein, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel, Mr. Robert Piper stated that the Gambia requested for US $15 Million in humanitarian aid but received US$ 300,000 in aid. During the President’s tour, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education has been calling on the people to be prepared to sustain the School Feeding Programme by their own efforts.
Is this a signal that the School Feeding Programme is also under threat?
Foroyaa will investigate the prospects of international assistance and identify any problems and their causes.