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He accepted the award during the No Smoking Day celebrations at Westfield Cenotaph on Tuesday.
Mr Dabo is the 13th recipient of the award and was honoured for his commitment and dedication to tobacco taxation.
While accepting the award, Dabo expressed gratitude to the WHO for recognizing GRA’s efforts and role in combating tobacco use in The Gambia.
“This honour is not just for me alone, but a collective recognition and achievement of the government, health professionals, civil society and everyone who has contributed to the fight against tobacco use in The Gambia,” he said.
CG Darboe further stated that if left unchecked, the harmful effects of tobacco could have a devastating impact on our healthcare system. He added that through the strategic implementation of tobacco tax, “we have made significant progress in reducing tobacco consumption and importation in The Gambia, with the ultimate goal of making The Gambia a smoke-free society. This achievement is an important step in improving our public health and protecting our future generations from the devastating effects of tobacco.”
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the World Health Organization for its endorsement and support for our public health program. Your guidance will be invaluable as we develop strategies and policies to ensure we prioritize the well-being of our people.”
“I am also extremely grateful to the dedicated team at the Gambia Revenue Authority. This award reflects your hard work, passion and commitment to our mission. Together, we have proven that effective policy measures can bring about tangible change, and I am proud to work alongside you.”
He said the award was a powerful catalyst to redouble their efforts in the fight against tobacco. “We are committed to building on our successes and implementing more measures to curb tobacco use in society. I hope this recognition will inspire more people to join this fight.”
He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the role played by “our partners” in this fight, such as civil society organisations, whose advocacy and dedication, he said, have been instrumental in raising awareness of the dangers of tobacco. “Your tireless efforts have enabled our communities to make healthcare choices and advocate for a tobacco-free Gambia.
“As we celebrate this achievement, let us remember that our work is far from over. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to a smoke-free Gambia. We must continue to push for stronger policies, raise public awareness, and support those who wish to quit. Together, we can create a healthcare environment that works for all Gambians.”
“I dedicate this award to the countless individuals and organizations dedicated to this cause. Let us unite to inspire others and pave the way for a smoke-free future.”
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