By Binta Jaiteh
Child Fund- The Gambia has donated medical equipment to the Ministry of Health to complement government’s effort on fighting coronavirus pandemic.
The presentation of the donated items was held at Central Medical Store, Kotu.
The donated equipment included 40-foot container loaded with medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, lab coats and face shields.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Musu Kuta Komma-Bah, Country Director for Child Fund said “In this time of COVID-19, the health systems, of even most advanced countries have been confronted with serious challenges both in terms of human and material resources.
“For that reason, they belief despite not being the first of its kind, the pharmaceuticals and medical supplies will help address some of the existing pressing issues at the Health Ministry.”
She said that since response efforts first started in The Gambia, they have been at the front and centre of the fight against the pandemic. She said this was as early as April whereby they helped reproduced 1500 posters developed by the Ministry in conjunction with other partners.
She added “We provided communities with hundreds of hand washing stations, sanitary materials and detergents to over 50 schools, communities in the West Coast Region and 30 other settlements across LRR, CRR and NBR.”
According to her, they also donated 3000 facemasks to children, families and schools to complement government’s efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
“3758 families have benefitted from their cash transfer program channelled through community-based credit unions at the level of their three Local Partners and parts of the LRR,” she said.
She added that Child Fund as well disbursed over D5.6 million to families while added that they are committed to continue.
Babanding Sabally, Director Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health described Child Fund and the MOH’s partnership as one of the best he has witnessed in his tenure as Director of Pharmaceutical Services.
“It’s a partnership where Child Fund will invite and ask them what they need or want for people of The Gambia,” he said.
Mr. Sabally then hailed Child Fund for always ensuring the items come in good condition, while added that the partnership has benefited thousands of Gambians and non-Gambians in the country.
Director Sabally said the materials will ensure Gambians receive quality health services at health facilities, as the materials are much needed in this trying time of health emergency.
Karamaba Keita, Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical at the Ministry of Health expressed gratitude to Child fund-The Gambia for complementing government efforts for providing such quality healthcare equipment.