Gambia: Rohey Njie appointed acting Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Education at Ministry of Health

The Gambian Ministry of Health has announced the appointment of Ms. Rohey Njie as the Acting Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Education, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first female Public Health Officer in The Gambia to hold this position within the Ministry.

This achievement underscores Ms. Njie’s remarkable dedication and expertise in public health.

Ms. Njie has been an instrumental figure in the field, particularly within the Association of Public Health Officers of The Gambia (APEHOG), where she has served as a mentor and role model for many of her peers. Her appointment is seen as a source of inspiration for aspiring public health professionals across the nation.

“I am deeply honored to take on this role and contribute further to the advancement of health promotion and education in The Gambia,” Ms. Njie remarked. “This appointment is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the progress women are making in public health leadership.”

With over a decade of experience, Ms. Njie’s academic and professional background is equally impressive. She holds an HND in Public Health, an MSc in Public Health (Health Promotion), a PGD in Gender and Development, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the African Center of Excellence (ACE-PUTOR) at the University of Port Harcourt.

Ms. Njie played a key role in establishing the Directorate of Health Promotion and Education and has represented The Gambia on numerous international health platforms, earning recognition both locally and internationally. Her work from 2019 to 2023 with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, in partnership with CDC, WHO, and UNICEF in Nigeria, further solidified her expertise as a Field Epidemiologist and Communication Specialist.

Currently, she serves as the Social Safeguards and Environment Focal Person for the SWEDD+ project, reflecting her continued commitment to public health advancement.

Ms. Njie’s appointment is a significant milestone not only for her career but also for gender equity in public health leadership in The Gambia. Her contributions to health promotion and education, coupled with her efforts to mentor future public health leaders, are paving the way for greater representation of women in the sector.

The Ministry of Health expressed confidence in her ability to drive forward health promotion initiatives, stating, “Ms. Njie’s appointment reflects her exceptional commitment and capacity to lead in a critical area of our healthcare system.”

As she assumes her new role, Ms. Njie is set to spearhead initiatives that will shape the future of health promotion and education in The Gambia, reaffirming her status as a trailblazer in public health.

File Source: Association of Public Health Officers of The Gambia