Africa-Press – Gambia. The Executive Director of Mothers Health Foundation (MoHF), Rohey Sey Corr, has called for urgent government intervention to address the growing use of ‘Taba’, a harmful substance she says poses a greater threat to women’s health than female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence (GBV).
In an exclusive interview with The Voice, Madam Sey Corr described the widespread use of Taba as a “silent epidemic” with alarming consequences, especially among women who have already suffered the effects of FGM.
“This substance, as said by the users, is a replacement for sexual pleasure lost through FGM, but it is causing even more severe health problems, including cancer, as confirmed by medical experts,” she said.
Sey Corr highlighted the rising use of Taba among teenagers and young women, warning that many are becoming addicted. “It is also tearing families apart, with both men and women suffering the consequences. In one case, a husband beat and divorced his wife over her addiction to Taba. The issue is escalating,” she said.
The MoHF leader also pointed out that the foundation has operated for nearly six years without any government or international financial support. “If we waited for help, we wouldn’t have made any progress on the issue of this substance,” she noted.
She explained that while MoHF is a registered organization working with sectors like health, education, and gender, it has not received a single budget from the national budget. “Advocacy is expensive, especially evidence-based work. We urgently need government support to continue this vital mission,” she added.
Sey Corr called on the government, development partners, and the private sector to step in with financial backing to combat what she described as a national emergency. “This issue is not just about health; it’s a national crisis requiring immediate action,” she said.
“We’ve already sent samples to the United States for further investigation. We need the government, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to take a stand. This is a collective responsibility, and the time to act is now,” Madam Sey emphasized.
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