Gambian Lawmaker Honoured Among Africa’s Health Champions at Nairobi Summit

Hon. Modou Lamin B. Bah has been recognised among six African lawmakers honoured by the French National Assembly for their leadership and advocacy in advancing health equity across the continent.

The recognition was announced during the Franco-Kenyan/African Parliamentary Appeal for Global Health held on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.

The initiative, led under the leadership of Marie-Agnès Poussier-Winsback, brought together French and African parliamentarians to strengthen cooperation on global health policy, financing and equitable access to healthcare.

Following diplomatic and strategic engagements between French and African legislators, Hon. Bah was recognised as one of the continent’s Health Champions — a distinction highlighting the growing role of African parliamentarians in shaping inclusive and resilient healthcare systems.

In his remarks after the engagement, the Gambian legislator described the honour as a collective achievement for all those advocating for equitable healthcare access across Africa.

“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to every health advocate fighting for equity across our continent,” he stated.

The strategic dialogue focused on five major pillars shaping the future of global health in Africa, including parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for health equity, improving access to healthcare, sustainable health financing, strengthening North-South and South-South parliamentary cooperation, and legislating health as a fundamental right rather than charity.

Participants emphasised the critical role lawmakers play in driving reforms and ensuring stronger political commitment toward universal health coverage and equitable medical access across the continent.

Hon. Bah also underscored the importance of people-centred partnerships in Africa’s pursuit of health sovereignty.

“No health sovereignty without people-centered partnerships,” he stressed.

Special appreciation was extended to The Global Fund, GFAN Africa, WACI Health and The Gambia National Assembly for facilitating what participants described as a historic parliamentary bridge between Africa and France.

The recognition comes amid growing continental efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, improve local health financing and promote African-led solutions to public health challenges.

Hon. Bah concluded by reaffirming his commitment to continue advocating for stronger healthcare systems “for Banjul North, for The Gambia, and for Africa.”