CAPSTONE CPD Training on NCD Prevention and Management - The Gambia

The CAPSTONE Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Training on Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Prevention and Management was conducted from 26th to 30th January 2026 at the NaNA conference room along the Bertling Harding Road, The Gambia. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals in the prevention, early detection, and management of NCDs in line with national health priorities and global best practices. The training brought together 25 health professionals (13 Female and 12 Male) including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, public health officers and lab scientists from various health facilities to enhance knowledge, practical skills, and multidisciplinary collaboration in NCD care. Participants demonstrated strong engagement throughout the sessions and actively contributed to discussions and practical exercises. The five-day training covered key thematic areas including the burden of NCDs in The Gambia and globally, risk factors, primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies and case-based discussions centered on Challenge-Based Learning (CBL). Training methods included lectures, group discussions, case studies, practical demonstrations, and participant presentations. Pre and post tests on NCD and CBL were conducted. This was facilitated by the local CAPSTONE team together with partners from the Ministry of Health and the Medicine Control Agency. Recommendations from the training included conducting periodic refresher training and advanced CPD sessions, and expanding training to additional regions and healthcare cadres. The CAPSTONE CPD training successfully enhanced the capacity of healthcare professionals in NCD prevention and management. The training represents an important step toward strengthening the health system response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in The Gambia and supports ongoing efforts to improve quality of care and health outcomes.