The International Nurses and Midwives Day was on Saturday May 24, 2008, observed at the State Enrolled Nurse (SEN) school hall in Bansang, in the Upper Fulladu West District, Central River Region (CRR) South. The celebration began with a March past before various speeches were given on the theme:  "Delivering quality, serving communities, nurses leading primary health care”.

In his opening remarks, Lamin Darboe, the deputy governor of CRR,  asserted that midwifery care for women and their bodies was an investment that promotes healthy growth and well being for the present and future generations of the country.  

He said primary health care was back on the global health agenda and nursing was leading the way in ensuring the active participation of citizens and communities in addressing health issues and accessing appropriate health services round the clock. He noted that Gambia government has high on its development agenda making health care accessible and affordable to all Gambians. This, he said, is reflected in the building of new health facilities and training of more health workers.

The regional Public Health Nurse, Modou Darboe, said nurses play an important role in our society.  He opined that government is determined to work closely with all stakeholders in the area of providing quality health care for its peoples.

The principal of SEN school in Bansang, Mafugi Bojang, said 2008 primary health care is again on the global health agenda.  The international council of nurses is celebrating nursing leadership and advocating for greater nursing involvement in primary health care, the key strategy to achieving universal access and better health for the world’s people.

Isatou Joof, a student nurse, delivered the vote of thanks.