Support towards the abatement of the health, and nutrition security, and economic impacts of Aflatoxins

Abstract

The Gambia Government represented by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Health and Social Welfare and the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment informed delegates that agriculture is the mainstay of Gambia’s economy. It was indicated that the mitigation of aflatoxin can result in the increase of crop production, however it was noted that increase production of crops and livestock cannot translate into increased income for the farmers if the output is of poor quality. It was therefore stressed that increase in agricultural output should correspond with the increase in quality of the produce. Delegates were informed that the impact of aflatoxin in Gambia is evident not only in the trade and agriculture sector but also in the health sector. It was therefore noted that that Gambia has one of the highest liver cancer and hepatitis B cases on the continent. Therefore it was said that the roundtable discussion, which will propose concrete way forward in combating aflatoxins in Gambia, is extremely relevant and important.