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Published on 2024-03-26 05:47:29
The Ministry of Health recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Interior in a ceremony held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Ministry of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination, and Delivery conference room in Banjul. The objective of this MOU is to harmonize and integrate the National Identity System operated by the Department of Immigration and the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCRVS) System operated by the Registry of Births and Deaths.
The main aim of this collaboration is to provide a framework to ensure a unified National Identity Number (NIN) generation and sharing between the two systems to avoid duplication of NIN. This will also provide a strong database that allows for continuous updates and use by both parties. It will facilitate the proper issuance of national identity cards, passports, residential permits, and driver’s licenses, thereby limiting the unauthorized acquisition of such documents.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) will provide data on ID cards that have been issued, including variables such as NIN, first name, last name, and date of birth, as well as birth certificate QR codes to enable the National ID system to authenticate birth certificates presented by ID card applicants. Initially, the MoI will provide this data in a Comma Separated Value file (CSV) to assist the Ministry of Health in reduplicating NINs in the eCRVS system and cleaning up duplicate NINs.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy (MOCDE) will oversee the development and maintenance of the necessary Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure for this integration. This includes establishing and maintaining standards, as well as implementing robust security measures to protect confidentiality and integrity.
During the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Strategic Policy and Delivery (DSPD), Aliue Loum, welcomed officials from the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), Ministry of Public Service (MoPS), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy (MOCDE), and the Gambia ICT Association (GICTA). The initiative aims to advance cooperation between the various ministries and departments involved in the harmonization and integration of the National Identity System and eCRVS System.
Overall, this collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Interior marks an important step towards streamlining the National Identity System and Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System. By working together and sharing data and resources, these ministries hope to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and improve the overall quality of services provided to the citizens of The Gambia.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
