Better health is central to human happiness and well-being.It also makes an important contribution to economic progress, as healthy populations live longer, are more productive, and save more.
Many factors influence health status and a country’s ability to provide quality health services for its people. Ministries of health are important actors, but so are other government departments, donor organizations, civil society groups and communities themselves. For example: investments in roads can improve access to health services; inflation targets can constrain health spending; and civil service reform can create opportunities – or limits – to hiring more health workers.
It is concerned with the impact of better health on development and poverty reduction, and conversely, with the impact of development policies on the achievement of health goals. In particular, it aims to build support across government for higher levels of investment in health, and to ensure that health is prioritised within overall economic and development plans. In this context, ‘health and development’ work supports health policies that respond to the needs of the poorest groups.
Wellness is the search for enhanced quality of life, personal growth, and potential through positive lifestyle behaviours and attitudes. If we take responsibility for our own health and well-being, we can improve our health on a daily basis. Certain factors influence our state of wellness, including nutrition, physical activity, stress-coping methods, good relationships, and career success.
Each day we work toward maximising our level of health and wellness to live long, full, and healthy lives. The pursuit of health, personal growth, and improved quality of life relies on living a balanced life. To achieve balance, we need to care for our mind, body, and spirit.
If any of these three areas is consistently lacking or forgotten about, we will not be at our optimal level of health. We are constantly challenged with balancing each of these three areas throughout life.
We have a responsibility to guide and motivate others to improve their level of health and wellness. We can promote a holistic approach to health (mind, body, and spirit), not just encourage physical activity. As good role models, we should demonstrate positive health behaviours that assist in improving our own health and the health of others.
Ebrima Jallow
Bakau
Remembering Katim Touray-a doyen of education
Dear editor,
Please allow me space in your authoritative newspaper to remember a man who contributed so much to the education of many in The Gambia.Some of us who attended Armitage High School know him by the name Katim but those who taught at Kaur Upper Basic School earlier on and attended the school as students know him as Tall Touray. Katim hailed from Ballangarr village and graduated from Armitage High School. During his schooldays at Armitage, he had a high esteem of himself, which every other person at that time did. He showed profuse interest in sports, he was a swift sprinter as well as a lover of volley ball and table tennis. While at Armitage, he was in Gray Kunda then Kabou, he participated fully for the Kunda when his services were required. Having completed his educational career at Armitage, Katim became a teacher and got qualified and taught in many schools across the length and breadth of the Gambia. We taught together at Kaur Upper Basic School from 1992 to 1998 when I left him there. He was not only a good teacher of English but a strict one who always meant business. He was such a strict disciplinarian that the students at that time knew when he was on duty, he never compromised ethics and infringement of the school rules and regulations. He assisted the principal Mr Lamin Jaiteh alias Masibo now with Gambia Senior Secondary School so much. Without him, it would have been so tough since the students feared him so much. He was also a helping hand in the write up of the instructional materials we had in Kaur Upper Basic School. Rest in perfect peace, may God place you in the coldest chambers of the heavens.
Michael Secka,
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