The Vice President (VP), Madam Isatou Touray has extolled the Gambia Red Cross Society’s support in the country’s fight to mitigate the effects of disasters.
Dr. Touray was speaking on Wednesday during the General Assembly of the Sahel Plus Group at Coco Ocean Hotel, being hosted by the Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS). This is said to be the first General Assembly of the Group to be hosted by the GRCS. The members of the group include Presidents and Secretary Generals (SGs) of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of Chad, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and The Gambia.
Dr. Touray said added “to this is the increased recognition of the crucial significant role of Red Cross and Red Crescent in disaster risk reduction, aimed at building the resilience of communities to mitigate the impact of a disaster in the future”.
She told the audience the Gambia Government has recognized the excellent work done by the GRCS during the past years, especially in supporting government’s efforts in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and other disasters.
GRCS has also been instrumental in supporting the government’s development efforts through the various partnerships with the UN system in The Gambia, she added.
“Our government has provided the enabling environment for GRCS to function and undertake its humanitarian and development activities based on the fundamental principles of the Red Cross. For us, GRCS has been a credible partner with committed leadership,” VP acknowledged.
She pointed out that the meeting would review activities of the National Societies, including achievements, challenges, and discuss how Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies could continue to complement and support government through their auxiliary roles in dealing with existing and emerging humanitarian and development challenges.
After discussing their achievements and challenges, the Gambia Red Cross Society will also take over as Chair of the Sahel Plus Group for the next years.
