Gambia receives scabies supplies for 157,000 people
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Point
Japan, UNICEF and the Gambian government have handed over medical, nutrition and hygiene supplies for about 157,000 people affected by the response to a scabies outbreak. The handover, held on 10 November in Brikama, also supports the strengthening of community health services, according to Japanese ambassador Takeshi Akamatsu.
Japan, UNICEF and the Gambian government handed over medical, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies on Tuesday 10 November 2026 for about 157,000 people affected by the scabies outbreak in the West Coast, Central River and Upper River Regions. The ceremony was held at the West Coast Regional Health Directorate in Brikama, according to The Point.
Japan’s ambassador to The Gambia, Takeshi Akamatsu, said more than 400 health workers and surveillance officials had been trained as part of the project. More than 68,000 children under five had also been screened for malnutrition, while handwashing and sanitation equipment is expected to benefit more than 55,000 people, according to the diplomat.
UNICEF’s representative in The Gambia, Nafisa Binte Shafique, said the initiative had reached about 157,000 children, families and community members in the three regions through interventions combining health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene. She also highlighted the strengthening of community health systems and the capacities of frontline workers.
