Editorial

Health is a very essential component not only for the wellbeing of the people, but also for socio-economic development.

A nation must first have a healthy people before it can think about developing its socio-economic base. After all, development is induced by the people, because they have to be healthy before they can either take part in it or enjoy its achievements.

The recent move by the department of state for health and social welfare, warning against unsolicited foodstuff in the street, was clearly aimed at safeguarding public interest, and nothing else.

We are grateful that the department is not in any way compromising its public health mandate. The Gambia is a youthful nation that is sparing no efforts and time in ensuring that the country reaches a stage were it can fulfil the needs and aspirations of its citizenry.

The only route through which the country can reach this stage is through a healthy youthful populace endowed with the capacity to invent and innovate. The department of state for health and social welfare has demonstrated that they are not and will not compromise the health of the citizenry.

What is important therefore is for the people to realize for themselves that they should value their health more than any other thing for their survival, and heed to the calls of the department so that collectively we can achieve a healthy Gambia.