Gambia

Institutional Capacity Building for the Implementation of the Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements in The Gambia

                       Combatting a silent killer: improved asbestos management in the Gambia

The Challenge

The legacy of asbestos posed a significant threat to human health in the Gambia, a small country in West Africa that is classified as a least developed country. Asbestos was widely used around the world as an affordable and fire-resistant insultation material, but in the 20th century it was found that inhaling asbestos dust causes serious pulmonary diseases and cancer. Asbestos was in widespread use in the Gambia in older private and public buildings, meaning that many Gambians were at risk of exposure.

The Project

In 2018, the government of the Gambia partnered with UNEP to facilitate the implementation of measures and adoption of policies to address the management of asbestos and its removal.

The Impact

Through its Special Programme project the government of the Gambia conducted an inventory of asbestos-containing materials, developed a national asbestos profile, and drafted national asbestos management regulations. The project also strengthened the chemicals control system through targeted capacity-building efforts, comprehensive training for key stakeholders, and multi-stakeholder coordination, resulting in enhanced monitoring, enforcement, and awareness. Additionally, it developed and validated the National Solid Waste Management Strategy, addressing hazardous waste management and filling critical gaps in the country’s waste management framework.

The government is building upon this success in its second Special Programme project, entitled Capacity Strengthening and Technical Assistance for Environmentally Sound Management of Chemicals and Wastes in The Gambia.

Independent Assessment

Independent Assessment of the Closed Project under the Special Programme Report (December 2024): The Gambia

Project Story

2018 -Fighting asbestos contamination in The Gambia