School for enrolled nurses and midwives

Good morning colleagues, as we celebrate the international workers day (commonly known as May Day), I wish to seize this opportunity to thank each and every staff for your selfless service to this noble institution of ours. Your dedication, hard work and resilience have made our institution second to none. Through your commitment, we continue to strive and grow with resounding successes. Thank you once again. Happy workers day

Sheriffo Jawla
Principal

🎓 Fatoumata Jallow Memorial Scholarship for Women in Nursing – Now Open!

The Madison Kanifing Sister City Committee is proud to present this scholarship opportunity supporting women in The Gambia pursuing careers in healthcare.

📌 Eligibility Criteria:
• Female
• Gambian citizenship
• Eligible high school student or currently enrolled college student
• Active community volunteer (minimum 25 hours within the last year)
• Demonstrated academic achievement
• Financial need (verified through school)
• Must be applying to a higher education degree in healthcare
• Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (semester grades required to continue receiving funding)

💰 What the Scholarship Covers:
• Full tuition for the healthcare program

🏫 Schools Covered:
• Gambia College School of Nursing and Midwifery (Banjul)
• American International University West Africa (AIUWA) – School of Nursing
• School for Enrolled Community Health Nurses and Midwives
• School for Enrolled Nurses (Central River Region, The Gambia)
• Sami Institute of Nursing and Health Sciences
• University of The Gambia – Postgraduate Diploma Nursing Program

🗓 Application Deadline: June 15, 2026

👉 Learn more and apply here:
https://madisonkanifing.org/scholarship

📣 Please share with students, educators, and community members who may benefit from this life-changing opportunity!

TETANUS: MYTH or MATTER OF FACT?
This article was adopted for sensitization purposes!

No, Tetanus isn't caused by rust. Here’s the real danger.

The long-standing belief that rust causes tetanus is one of medicine’s most persistent myths.

In reality, the danger stems from Clostridium tetani, a hardy bacterium found in soil, dust, and manure. While a rusty nail is often the culprit, it is not because of the oxidation; rather, the rust indicates the object has likely spent time in contaminated dirt.

Any injury that breaks the skin—including splinters, animal bites, or burns—can introduce the bacteria into the body. Deep puncture wounds are particularly hazardous because they create an oxygen-deprived environment where the bacteria thrive and multiply.

Because these bacteria are environmental and live in the guts of animals, tetanus can never be fully eradicated like some other diseases. This makes maintaining up-to-date vaccinations essential for lifelong protection. While childhood immunizations provide a strong foundation, adults require boosters every ten years to stay safe. If you suffer a deep, dirty wound and your last shot was more than five years ago, medical professionals recommend an immediate booster. Thoroughly washing wounds and tracking your vaccination status remain the most effective strategies for preventing this serious infection.

source: Popular Science. (2023). Why does everyone think rust causes tetanus? Popular Science.

A single scratch on your nonstick pan releases millions of toxic chemicals into your dinner.

This article is adopted purely for educational purposes.
Researchers in Australia have uncovered a startling health hazard hiding in plain sight in kitchens across the globe.

Using advanced imaging technology, scientists found that even a minor scratch on a Teflon-coated pan can release upwards of 9,000 plastic particles and millions of microplastics during cooking.

These "forever chemicals," known as PFAS, are engineered to resist heat and stains but are notoriously difficult for the human body to break down. Linked to severe health issues including cancer, infertility, and developmental disorders, these toxins have already been detected in the bloodstreams of 99% of Americans, highlighting a pervasive environmental crisis.

Despite the known risks, federal regulations remain limited, leaving consumers to navigate a marketplace filled with PFAS-laden products ranging from cookware to bedding. Experts suggest that the safest path forward is a return to traditional materials like stainless steel or seasoned cast iron, which do not shed toxic particles under heat. As some states move toward banning these chemicals in consumer goods, the responsibility of minimizing exposure often falls on the individual. Making the switch now could prevent years of chemical accumulation in the body, offering a simple yet effective way to protect long-term family health.

source: Luo, Y., Gibson, C. T., Chuah, C., Tang, Y., Naidu, R., & Fang, C. (2022). Raman imaging for the identification of Teflon microplastics and nanoplastics released from non-stick cookware. Science of The Total Environment.

The School for Enrolled Nurses and Midwives is pleased to introduce our newest tutor, Mr. Gibril Bah, to the wider community and our valued stakeholders.

Mr. Bah is a focused and hardworking educator whose commitment to developing the next generation of professionals led to his posting to the school following his graduation from the University of The Gambia, Department of Nursing and Reproductive Health. Since joining the team, he has contributed to the school’s growing strength and adaptability.

We invite you to extend your warm wishes as he takes on his responsibilities in this role.

The School for Enrolled Nurses and Midwives remains committed to providing a supportive and dependable environment for teaching and learning, with the aim of strengthening the training of nurses and midwives across The Gambia.

Gangrene is a medical emergency. Delay in treatment can lead to the spread of infection and may require amputation to save life. Proper wound care, early hospital attention, and good control of chronic illness remain the best means of prevention.

In the spirit of collaboration, the SEN School has long shared a profound bond with its sister institution, the School for Enrolled Community Health Nurses and Midwives in Mansakonko. Through this ever-existing relationship, SEN has consistently engaged lecturers from CHN to deliver Module 7 on Community Health Nursing. This thoughtful gesture has ensured seamless curricular coverage, without disruption or compromise.

Yesterday, the April 2024 general class concluded the latest cycle of adjunct lecturing from our Kerr Dewo fraternity. In the person of Mr. Ismail Ceesay, fondly known as “Investor,” the cohort was not only guided through the essentials of Community Health Nursing but also inspired to embrace its wider scope. His teaching highlighted the significance of health promotion, disease prevention, and primary healthcare, granting students a deeper appreciation of this vital discipline. To Mr. Ceesay and the CHN School, we extend our profound gratitude and collective thanks.

A single kiss can be life-threatening to newborns.
Disclaimer: This article is adopted specifically for educational purposes.
The story of baby Breelyn serves as a powerful warning about the devastating risks of neonatal herpes.

At just two days old, an infant named Breelyn contracted neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) after being kissed by an individual with an active cold sore.

Because her newborn immune system was not yet developed, the virus rapidly evolved into HSV encephalitis, a severe infection that directly attacked her brain. This tragic encounter resulted in permanent damage to approximately 60% of the left side of her brain and 10% of the right, leading to chronic seizures and significant long-term developmental challenges.

Despite the grim initial prognosis, Breelyn has shown remarkable resilience, learning to use a walker and communicating through smiles.

However, her family continues to share her journey as a critical warning to the public: neonatal herpes is life-threatening for infants under four weeks old. While rare, the virus can lead to organ failure, neurological devastation, or death. Their message is clear: individuals with cold sores must never kiss a baby, as a simple gesture of affection can lead to a lifetime of medical struggles.

source: American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases.