Published by participants in the  Certificate in Journalism program

of the African Virtual University-Indiana University of Pennsylvania Partnership.

The African Star

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The Gambia's Secretary of State for Health has served for 18 years

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Yankuba Kassama, who has served as a medial doctor for 18 years, is spearheading the  country’s  health care  initiatives.

Dr. Kassama became a medical doctor in 1985. He did his housemanship in 1986 and started working  in the country’s Health Sector as medical officer in 1986.

A graduate of  Gambia High School, Dr. Kassama completed his Sixth Form and  went to a university in Libya where he studied medicine for seven years. On completing his studies, he did one year internship at the main hospital in Tripoli.

Dr. Kassama returned  to The Gambia but left for the United Kingdom to pursue  a surgical career. He came back in 1989 and was appointed registrar of the Surgical Unit in The Gambia.

“It was  quite different from what I learnt in United Kingdom, considering the different circumstances in technology and the availability of equipment,” Dr. Kassama said.

After serving for two years as registrar of the Surgical Unit, he went back to the UK to complete his fellowship. He went  through several  programmes of the Royal College of Surgeons. Dr. Kassama worked in various hospitals in  the UK in order to fulfill the requirements of becoming a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He then worked for a few years in the UK to gain some more experience.

On his return  to The Gambia in 1997, Dr. Kassama  was  appointed surgeon specialist. He also headed the Surgical Unit and all surgery in the country.  He was later appointed Director of Medical Services. Four years before he was appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare.