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3RD ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE 2025

THEME: Nutrition in Gambian Children: Challenges, Progress, and The Way Forward

Join the Paediatric Association of The Gambia at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center in Bijilo.

Register Now View Schedule

November 14-15, 2025

Bijilo, The Gambia, West Africa
200+ Attendees Expected
PATG Conference

Schedule

Event Schedule details for the Conference 2025

PAEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION OF THE GAMBIA

3rd ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

Theme: Nutrition in Gambian Children – Challenges, Progress, and the Way Forward

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: 12–13 November 2025

Full Day

Improving Neonatal Care in The Gambia – Getting the Basics Right

DAY 1: 14 November 2025

9:00 am – 10:15 am

OPENING CEREMONY

MC: Dr. Fatou Secka

  • 8:30 – 9:00 Arrival of dignitaries
  • 9:00 – 9:10 Arrival and introduction of Guests
  • 9:10 – 9:15 National Anthem
  • 9:15 – 9:25 Welcome Address – President PATG
  • 9:25 – 9:35 Remarks – Chief Medical Director EFSTH
  • 9:35 – 9:45 Address – Provost UTG School of Medicine & AHS
  • 9:45 – 9:55 Speech – Director, Postgraduate Training
  • 9:55 – 10:05 Speech – Minister of Gender, Children & Social Welfare
  • 10:05 – 10:15 Official Opening – Minister of Health
10:15 – 10:45 am

KEYNOTE LECTURE

Global Standards, Local Realities: WHO's Role in Tackling Malnutrition
10:45 – 11:15 am

Tea Break

11:15 am – 12:45 pm

SYMPOSIUM I – Malnutrition in The Gambia: Where Do We Stand?

  • 11:15 – 11:40
    40 Years of Evidence: What Research Has Taught Us About Malnutrition in The Gambia

    Prof. Andrew Prentice, MRC

  • 11:40 – 12:05
    The Nation's Nutrition Program: Progress, Pitfalls, and the Way Forward

    Malang N. Fofana, Executive Director of the National Nutritional Agency (NaNA) in The Gambia

  • 12:05 – 12:30
    Breastfeeding First: The Lifeline for Child Survival

    Mrs Nafisa Binte Shafique, Country Representative UNICEF Gambia

  • 12:30 – 12:55
    Securing the Future: Government Strategies to End Malnutrition in The Gambia

    Michael M. Mendy, Director of Health Promotion and Education Directorate; and National Focal Point for Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Ministry of Health

  • 12:55 – 1:40
    Panel Discussion

    (WHO; MRC; NaNa, UNICEF, MoH): Integrating Research, Policy, and Practice to Eliminate Childhood Malnutrition in The Gambia

1:40 – 2:40 pm

Lunch

2:40 – 3:40 pm

SYMPOSIUM II: Building Resilience: Tackling Malnutrition through Nutrition, Governance, and Food Systems

15 Min Presentation each, 10 min discussion

  • 2:40 – 2:55
    World Food Program (WFP)

    Nutrition and Poverty Nexus: An overview of how poverty, limited health access, and early childbearing contribute to malnutrition, and how WFP's programmes—such as Nutrition, school feeding, fortification, and food systems resilience—are addressing these underlying drivers.

  • 2:55 – 3:10
    Helen Brotherton (Honorary Research Fellow, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Consultant Neonatologist, NHS Fife)

    Potential effect of KMC on prevention of malnutrition (Online)

  • 3:10 – 3:25
    Baldeh Edrissa (The Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA))

    Food Safety Governance and Safeguarding Child Nutrition and Health in The Gambia

  • 3:25 – 3:40
    Question and Answer

    Open discussion with speakers

3:40 – 3:50 pm

BREAK

3:50 – 5:00 pm

PARALLEL SESSIONS + Q&A

Session I: NEONATOLOGY

Each presenter 9 min, 15 min Q and A

  • 3:50 – 3:59
    Conteh ML

    Neonatal mortality at EFSTH

  • 3:59 – 4:08
    Jack M

    Outcome of neonatal sepsis admissions during the first half of 2025 at Bansang General Hospital Neonatal Unit

  • 4:08 – 4:17
    Nweke VC

    Intrauterine Growth restriction as a form of fetal malnutrition: maternal risk factors among neonates admitted to NICU, EFSTH, The Gambia

  • 4:17 – 4:26
    Touray Y

    Effect of Travel Distance on Admission Hypothermia and Its Association with Neonatal Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, The Gambia (January–December 2024)

  • 4:26 – 4:35
    Okomo U

    Beyond Proximity: An Observational Study of Stillbirth Rates and Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Accessibility in The Gambia

  • 4:35 – 4:44
    Conteh ML

    Prevalence risk factors, and management outcomes of Neonatal Jaundice

  • 4:45 – 5:00
    Question and Answer

    Open discussion with presenters

Session II: NUTRITION

Each presenter 9 min, 15 min Q and A

  • 3:50 – 3:59
    Jaiteh M

    Association Between Wealth Inequality and Childhood Malnutrition in The Gambia: Evidence from the 2019-2020 Gambia Demographic and Health Survey

  • 3:59 – 4:08
    Willson O. Uyamadu

    Treatment Outcomes and Determinants of Recovery among Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition Enrolled in the Outpatient Therapeutic Program at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital Pediatric Medical Ward

  • 4:08 – 4:17
    Joof S

    A one-year retrospective study of deaths due/related to malnutrition at the EPU (October 2024 to September 2025)

  • 4:17 – 4:26
    Jadama NJ

    Double Burden of Malnutrition In The Gambia-Public Health Challenges and Policy Response

  • 4:26 – 4:35
    Manke M

    Severity patterns and predictors of sickle cell anaemia among Gambian children: A cross-sectional analysis

  • 4:35 – 4:44
    Mathew NA

    Prevalance of HIV in Paediatric patients at EFSTH, its impact on their nutritional status and ARV adherence

  • 4:45 – 5:00
    Question and Answer

    Open discussion with presenters

PAEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION OF THE GAMBIA

3rd ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

Theme: Nutrition in Gambian Children – Challenges, Progress, and the Way Forward

DAY 2: 15 November 2025

MC

Conference MCs

Ousman Cham and Bintou Beyai

9:00 am – 10:45 am

SYMPOSIUM III – Child Health at the Crossroads: Nutrition, Infection, and Vulnerable Populations

Chairs

Oghenebrume Wariri & Musa Jaiteh

20 Min presentation each, 25 minutes Q and A

  • 9:00 – 9:20
    Olumuyiwa Owalabi (MRC)

    Tb and Malnutrition

  • 9:20 – 9:40
    Bubacarr Jallow (NaNA)

    Nutrition in the Gambia – deficit from the start?

  • 9:40 – 10:00
    Mamadou Bah (MRC)

    Iron Deficiency in Breastfed Children and Micronutrition Deficiencies in Gambian Children

  • 10:00 – 10:20
    WFP

    Fill the Nutrient Gap Analysis: Presentation of findings on the Cost of a Nutritious Diet in The Gambia, highlighting key evidence and policy implications for improving access to affordable and nutritious food for vulnerable households.

  • 10:20 – 10:45
    Question and Answer

    Open discussion with speakers

10:45 – 11:30 am

Tea Break

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

PARALLEL SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS + Q & A

Session III: INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Chairs

Lamin Makalo & Sheik Joof

10 min Presentation, 20 min Q & A

  • 11:30 – 11:40
    Bajinka O

    Epidemiology and Prevalence of RSV among Patients in Tertiary Hospitals in The Gambia: The Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (3PM) Approach

  • 11:40 – 11:50
    Cham A

    Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases, HIV, and the Nutritional Status of Gambian Children: A Decade of Evidence (2015–2025)

  • 11:50 – 12:00
    NAS

    HIV in the Gambia

  • 12:00 – 12:10
    Drammeh K

    Prevalence, Risk Factors and Types of Cerebral Palsy in EFSTH: A retrospective cross- Sectional study at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (January 2024 – January 2025)

  • 12:10 – 12:20
    Nyang I

    Clinical Spectrum, Outcomes, and Predictors of Mortality in Children Admitted with Severe Malaria at a Tertiary Hospital in The Gambia: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

  • 12:20 – 12:30
    Badjan A

    Aetiology of Neonatal bloodstream sepsis at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital: A one year perspective

  • 12:30 – 12:40
    Manneh A

    Prevalence and clinical presentation of Acute Chest Syndrome in children with sickle cell disease at the Emergency Paediatric Unit in EFSTH from January 2023 to December 2024.

  • 12:40 – 1:00
    Question and Answer

    Open discussion with presenters

Session IV: Child Health in Focus: Clinical Challenges and Systemic Responses
Chairs

Dr Cherno Jallow & Tida Dibbasey

10 min Presentation, 20 min Q & A

  • 11:30 – 11:40
    Secka PS

    Prevalence of Undescended Testis in Paediatric Surgery at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital

  • 11:40 – 11:50
    Makalo L

    Recurrent Tracheal Myofibroblastic Tumor Mimicking Asthma in a Toddler

  • 11:50 – 12:00
    Bah A

    Midgut Volvulus in children at EFSTH

  • 12:00 – 12:10
    Jaiteh M; Bojang, KK

    Strengthening Paediatric Emergency Care in The Gambia: Scaling Up the Emergency Triage, Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) Programme

  • 12:10 – 12:20
    Samanteh O

    Assessment of the quality and impact of pediatric referrals to the EPU at EFSTH: a cross-sectional study

  • 12:20 – 12:30
    Abazeid MM

    Drug Abuse in Secondary School in the Gambia

  • 12:30 – 1:00
    Question and Answer

    Open discussion with presenters

Parallel Session V a: Mixed
Chairs

Abdou Gai & Sara Loetz

Each presenter 5 min, 10 min Q and A

  • 11:30 – 11:35
    Makalo L

    Pericardial Effusion and Elevated Liver Enzymes as Unusual Presentations of Severe Acute Malnutrition

  • 11:35 – 11:40
    Bojang R

    The Changing Face of a Crisis: A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Shift from Failure to Thrive (FTT) to Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) Across Pediatric Age Groups Seen at Paediatric Emergency Unit, EFSTH

  • 11:40 – 11:45
    Jallow A

    Prevalence, Genotype Distribution, and Predictors of Hemoglobin S Among Children Referred for Hemoglobin Electrophoresis at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, The Gambia: A Pilot Study

  • 11:45 – 11:50
    Bah A

    Challenges in managing Gastroschisis in EFSTH

  • 11:50 – 11:55
    Jammeh AA

    Mortality at EFSTH Emergency Paediatric Unit: A Call for Establishing a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit

  • 11:55 – 12:00
    E Kujabi

    Case report on neonatal sacrococcygeal teratoma

  • 12:00 – 12:10
    Question and Answer

    Open discussion with presenters

Parallel Session V b: Mixed
Chairs

Hammed Khan & Haddy Tunkara Bah

Each presenter 5 min, 10 min Q and A

  • 12:20 – 12:25
    Barry AM

    Refractory Severe Anemia in a 4-Year-Old Boy: Diagnostic Challenge in the Context of G6PD Deficiency and Myelodysplasia

  • 12:25 – 12:30
    Jadama NJ

    A Rare Presentation of Russell-Silver Syndrome with Biliary Atresia, Liver Failure, and Patent Ductus Arteriosus in a Two-Month-Old Male Infant: A Case Report from The Gambia

  • 12:30 – 12:35
    Secka PS

    A Case of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia

  • 12:35 – 12:40
    Bah M

    Hereditary Elliptocytosis: A Case Report of Two Siblings Presenting with Recurrent Anaemia and Thrombocytosis at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, The Gambia

  • 12:40 – 12:45
    Secka PS

    Student Bullying, an Ongoing Reality

  • 12:45 – 12:50
    Sarr MA

    Multidrug-Resistant Bloodstream Pathogens among Hospitalized Patients at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, The Gambia

  • 12:50 – 13:00
    Question and Answer

    Open discussion with presenters

Break: 12:10 – 12:20 pm
1:00 – 2:15 pm

Lunch

2:15 – 3:00 pm

Key Messages for the Management of Malnourished Children in the Gambia

Facilitators

Peter Mendy (Senior resident EFSTH), Kijera Hazad (Registered nurse EFSTH) and Yusupha Jawo (Field officer NaNA)

Practical take-home points on recognition, emergency stabilization, feeding, and follow-up of malnourished children in Gambian healthcare settings.

3:15 – 4:00 pm

CLOSING CEREMONY

  • Closing Speeches: Adama Sallah (Chair PATG), Lamin Makalo (Conference chair)
  • Awards – Best Presenter
  • Presentation of Conference Communiqué
  • Vote of Thanks – Tunkara Bah
4:15 – 5:00 pm

PATG ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Members only
  • President's Report on Activities – Adama Sallah
  • Financial Report – Horeja Saine
10:00 10:45
Business Main Stage

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Speakers

Hosts and Event Speakers

Speaker
Chairperson

Dr. Lamin Makalo

Chairman of the Paediatrics Association of The Gambia

PATGnote


Speaker
CHIEF HOST

Prof. Adama Sallah

Chairman of the Association

PATG

note


Speaker
KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Nathan Nsubuga Bakyaita

WHO Representative:


Topic: Global Standards, Local Realities: WHO’s Role in Tackling Malnutrition 

Dr Bakyaita is WHO Representative to the Gambia since January 2025.  Prior to that he was the WHO Representative to Zambia (2017-2025). Nathan is a Public Health practitioner with over 35 years’ experience. WHO as Malaria M & E Officer (2005-2011); Medical Officer Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) at WHO-AFRO (2011-2013); and WHO Malaria Adviser Kenya (2013-2017). Before joining WHO, he worked with the Ministry of Health, Uganda from 1990 to 2005. He holds the MBChB and MPH degrees. 

Speaker

Prof. Andrew M. Prentice, PhD, FMedSci.

Head of Nutrition & Planetary Health Theme,
MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Topic: 40 Years of Evidence: What Research Has Taught Us About Malnutrition in The Gambia

Andrew Prentice started working in Keneba in 1977. He is Professor of International Nutrition at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and head of the Nutrition & Planetary Health Group at MRC Unit The Gambia. His chief interest is in improving the nutritional health and well-being of mothers and young children through investigating the mechanisms by which diet affects health. Among several  honours he received the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International  Union of Nutritional Sciences. He is a Fellow of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and a Member of the US National Academy of Sciences.

Speaker

Dr Helen Brotherton

Topic: Potential effect of KMC on prevention of malnutrition

A Consultant Neonatologist (NHS Fife) and NHS Research Scotland Career Researcher Fellow, with honorary academic positions at MRC Unit The Gambia and University of St Andrews. She has >20 years clinical experience in newborn-child health in varied settings and is a mid-career clinical academic with expertise in kangaroo mother care, neonatal infections/AMR, epidemiology, and clinical trials. As convenor of the RCPCH International Child Health Group (ICHG), she is committed to improving newborn & child health globally via equitable research partnership, mentorship, and advocacy. Dr Brotherton can be contacted at hcb25@st-andrews.ac.uk, hbrotherton@mrc.gm

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