The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has inaugurated a Technical Committee to develop a comprehensive Nursing Capacity Building Project Proposal aimed at strengthening nursing education, training, and workforce development in The Gambia.
The inaugural meeting was held on Wednesday, 22nd July 2026 at the MoHERST Conference Room, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Health, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), the Gambia Nursing and Midwifery Council, the University of The Gambia, the University of Education, and other key stakeholders in the health and education sectors.
In his inaugural address, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, commended members of the committee for accepting to contribute their expertise and experience towards an initiative that seeks to address critical challenges affecting the nursing profession in the country.
The Minister highlighted challenges including inadequate numbers of nurses to meet the needs of a growing population, unequal distribution of health workers, limited training capacity, retention difficulties, and insufficient opportunities for advanced nursing specialisations.
He noted that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated and sustainable national approach involving all relevant stakeholders. According to the Minister, the development of the project proposal will provide a framework for strengthening nursing training institutions, regulatory bodies, and healthcare delivery systems.
Professor Gomez emphasized that the proposal will serve as a key tool for resource mobilisation and will align with national development priorities, including the National Health Policy, the National Health Sector Strategic Plan, MoHERST’s strategic direction, and the Gambia National Qualifications Framework.
The Minister tasked the committee to develop an evidence-based proposal that covers the entire nursing value chain, including training, curriculum development, clinical practice, deployment, regulation, and continuing professional development.
He further encouraged members to ensure that the voices and experiences of frontline nurses and rural healthcare facilities are reflected in the proposal, making it a true representation of national needs.
“The committee is not merely an advisory body; you are the architects of our future nursing workforce,” Professor Gomez stated, noting that the committee’s work will have a direct and lasting impact on improving healthcare outcomes for Gambians.
The Technical Committee is expected to produce a comprehensive proposal that meets international standards while building a sustainable nursing workforce capable of responding to national healthcare demands and contributing to global healthcare needs.
On behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the Government of The Gambia, the Minister reaffirmed commitment to initiatives that promote human capital development and strengthen the country’s health sector.
He officially inaugurated the Technical Committee on Nursing Capacity Development and wished members success in their assignment.
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