By Seedy Jobe
The PF Initiative, a nonprofit organization focused on community health, has conducted a series of outreach sessions across three regions of The Gambia to raise awareness about the effects of extreme heat on women’s health while providing free screenings and medical consultations.
The program, funded by the Sanofi Foundation, reached several health facilities, including Basse District Hospital and Baja Kunda Health Center in the Upper River Region, Kaur Health Center in the Central River Region, and Brikama District Hospital in the West Coast Region, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
The outreach comes as The Gambia faces rising temperatures and intensifying climate-related challenges, conditions that health advocates say disproportionately affect women and other vulnerable groups. The sessions focused on the health risks associated with prolonged heat exposure, particularly for pregnant women and those engaged in outdoor labor.
Participants were encouraged to adopt preventive measures, including staying hydrated, maintaining proper nutrition, and limiting time spent in direct sunlight during peak heat hours. Organizers also highlighted the links between extreme heat and maternal health complications, as well as the importance of awareness around common conditions such as yeast infections.
In addition to educational sessions, the initiative provided a range of health services, including urinary testing, cervical and breast cancer screenings, and general medical consultations.
The program was carried out in collaboration with several partners. The Ministry of Health provided clinical oversight, staffing, and referral services, while Jobot Laboratories supported screening and technical services. SOS Children’s Villages contributed to cervical cancer screening and referrals, and the Medical Research Council assisted with health education and research-based guidance. The PF Initiative led community mobilization, coordination, and reporting efforts.
Organizers said the outreach drew strong participation and helped increase awareness among women about practical ways to reduce heat-related health risks. The group added that it plans to continue similar programs, with support from the Sanofi Foundation and its partners, as part of broader efforts to strengthen community resilience and protect public health in the face of climate change.
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