The Gambia reports mental health and HIV challenges

Health Minister Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh informed the National Assembly of significant challenges regarding mental health and HIV in The Gambia. Regarding mental health, the minister noted that while the National Mental Health Program and Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital provide assessment and treatment, a critical gap exists in post-discharge care. Many patients face an uncertain future because families are often unable or unwilling to take them home, leading to individuals living on the streets. A new Mental Health Bill is being finalized to establish a rights-based framework and clarify the responsibilities of the state and families.

On the issue of HIV, Dr. Samateh reported that approximately 25,000 people are living with the virus in the country, with a national adult prevalence rate of about 1.3 percent. While progress is being made toward UNAIDS targets, gaps remain in testing, treatment coverage, and viral suppression. Currently, more than two-thirds of those living with HIV know their status, roughly 70 percent are on antiretroviral therapy, and just over half have achieved viral suppression. To improve access, the Ministry of Health has expanded service delivery to 77 facilities and introduced multi-month medicine dispensing and community refill systems.