THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA’S COMBINED REPORT ON THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN & PEOPLES’ RIGHTS &
INITIAL REPORT ON THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA
There has also been the strengthening of the Health Care system through the establishment of more health
centers for the treatment of TB patients. Currently, The Gambia has 37 treatment and diagnosis center
across the country, which includes the central prisons (at Mile 2 ) and recently at the Yundum Army
barracks. These centers maintain direct observation of treatment (DOT) of all patients, address TB/HIV coinfection, by providing routine HIV counseling for all TB patients in all DOT centers, ensure that all Coinfected TB patients with HIV are put on ARV, ensure that Co-trimoxazole preventative therapy ( CPT) are
provided to all HIV positive TB patients, ensure early TB case detection and Diagnosis, through the qualityassured bacteriology. In addition, The Ministry of Health also provides TB patients with nutritional support
known as enablers packages.
The Ministry of Health, has also introduced the Practical Approached to Lung Health Strategy, commonly
known as PAL, and this is implemented in all TB treatment centers to ensure early TB case detection and
early treatment.
The Government also engages in advocacy and public sensitization of the community, community leaders
and religious leaders on TB control and preventive measures, Implementation of the Advocacy,
Communication and Social Mobilization Strategy (ACSM), targeting the general public, Policy makers,
Community leaders and religious leaders on TB control and preventative measures.
The Government in order to prevent stigma and discrimination of TB patients has established EX - TB
patients Association, in all the regional health centers in The Gambia, to sensitize TB patients as well as
the general public that TB is treatable and curable.
Mental Health
The Mental Health Policy 2007 clearly states that people with mental disorders should enjoy full human
rights, including the right to appropriate health care, education, shelter and employment, and the freedom
from discrimination and abuse.
Mental health treatment and care should promote and protect the autonomy and liberty of people with
mental disorders. People with mental disorders have the right to be treated in the most effective least
restrictive and least intrusive manner. People with mental disorders, due to their particular vulnerability to
human rights violations, may require specific legal and quasi-legal frameworks and safeguards to ensure
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