The campaign was aimed at ensuring that food safety and standards are complied with by businesspeople, butchers, bakers and food vendors, with the objective of strengthening health care services. A total of 75 shops in Lower Baddibu and a pharmacy were visited during the campaign. Speaking shortly after the exercise, Abdoulie Nanko, the public health officer of Kerewan said the activity was part of their routine inspection of various shops and all food production places to ensure that they comply with the new Food Safety Act. He revealed that it has been observed that many children are being treated for stomach complications at the Kerewan Health Centre. "So this prompted us to intensify the house-to-house visit and inspection of shops to ascertain the validity of commodities being sold at the shops," he explained.

Nanko reminded people that the Public Health Food Act exists and stressed that he would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the business community continues to purchase items that are fit for public consumption and by extension contribute to the maintenance of health for all. He also called on consumers to support public health officers in this noble crusade, and further made it clear that the Public Health Act clearly requires people to desist from selling expired products and unhygienic food.

Commenting on their future plans with other stakeholders, Nanko said his office will continue to have regular meetings with bakers, butchers, food vendors and shopkeepers to enlighten them on the need to continue to provide services that are in conformity with the Public Health Act. He added that the challenges encountered during the campaign were based on community unwillingness to support the noble cause.

Alhaji Eduwarr Seckan, the governor of NBR commended the public health officers for their laudable initiative, noting that the campaign would contribute to a reduction of communicable diseases in the region. He said the move is in-line with Gambia government’s commitment in promoting health in the country, as people would continue to consume food that are fit for public consumption at all times.  He also called on the business community in the region to purchase foods that are fit for public consumption.

Muhamed Saho, the regional health director for North Bank Region west, underscored the importance the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare attaches to food quality and standard. He noted that some businessmen are in the habit of keeping things for a while and end up selling to the public at the detriment of their health. Buba Manjang, the regional public health officer for North Bank East echoed similar sentiments and noted that food safety and standard are vital in the overall management and promotion of public health issues. He said the campaign will continue across the region with the ultimate objective of contributing to the attainment of quality health service delivery.

The routine inspections of shops according to him, will also contribute immensely to making shopkeepers to be mindful of the type of food and non-food items they sell. He urged Kerewan Area Council to support public health officers to enable them to effectively enhance their day-to-day operations. He also thanked the security operatives for their utmost support and collaboration in the campaign, which he said is a clear testimony of the good relations that exist between his office and security forces in the execution of functions.

Momodou Keita, a butcher from Suwareh Kunda in Lower Baddibu thanked the public health officers for the campaign and assured of his fullest support. He called on fellow butchers to collaborate with the public health officers in the promotion and enhancement of health delivery.