By Binta Jaiteh
Ida Bass Kidney Foundation, on Monday, has donated one million and six hundred thousand reusable facemask to the Ministry of Health.
The donated facemasks, according to the Foundation worth D34 million and meant to complement the efforts of Ministry of Health towards the control of spread of coronavirus in the country. The presentation of the nose masks was done at the Central Medical Store, Kotu.
Speaking at the presentation of the facemasks event, Louis Moses Mendy, deputy permanent secretary at Ministry of Health said the donated facemasks will go a long way in curbing the spread of the virus, and strengthening the ministry’s efforts in its collaboration to reach out to those who might use the PPE supplied to them.
He commended the Foundation while promise that it will be distributed to schools accordingly.
Lamin Dampha, PS2 at the Health Ministry dilated on lots of misconception as regarding the existence of Covid-19. He noted that some people still believe that covid-19 is not real and it is gone already.
He disclosed that second wave of Covid-19 has started and cases are still on board, “it has devastated our economy and providing 1.6 million facemasks will really assist in controlling the spread of covid.”
He urged the public to take heed to advise put into consideration the country’s status in term of wealth and economy.
Representing the foundation’s founder, Allagie Jallow, urged people to abide with the Ministry of Health precautionary measures against coronavirus because coronavirus is real and its impact is devastating to public health and socioeconomic life.
‘’It is with immense pride that Ida Bass Kidney Foundation is able to present to compatriots in the Gambia such as a substantial donation of 1.6 million facemasks, for distribution free of charge to health clinics, schools, municipalities and other organizations,” he said.
He gave background of Ida Bass Kidney Foundation which he said was set up in 2013 in memory of her beloved mother who passed away haven diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. Since then they have worked in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health in 2015 and this is with expectation tha the dialysis unit at the Edward Francis small teaching hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul from 3 beds to fully equipped 14 bed Hemodialysis Centre,” he added.
According to him, through effective partnership they had achieved far more together than what can be achieved singularly. They treasure the cooperation and collaboration of the partners from private sector, government and civil society in further response to Covid-19 pandemic.
