By Yunus S Saliu
Unfolding another impactful milestone in the health sector, the World Health Organization (WHO), on Wednesday, 16th August 2023 officially handed over medical supplies and IT equipment exceeded a value of D37 million (equivalent to $611,463.32) to the Ministry of Health to enhance healthcare across the country. The handing over of the supplies was held at the Central Medical Store, Kotu.
These were made possible through the unwavering support of a consortium of esteemed partners, including the governments of The Federal Republic of Germany, the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The items encompassed a wide array of items, namely computing devices and tablets designed to revolutionize surveillance systems and data management, to crucial laboratory equipment and supplies intended to improve diagnostic capabilities within the public health sector.
In his remarks, Dr Desta Tiruneh, WHO Representative to The Gambia described the occasion as a remarkable event that stands as a testament to the values of collaboration, commitment, and the immense power of partnership
“The collective value of these contributions is worth over GMD37 million and stands as a testimony to the generosity and unwavering dedication of multiple stakeholders. Among them, we express our deepest gratitude to the governments of the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom for their wholehearted support,” Dr Desta Tiruneh echoed and appreciated the partners.
He added that the combined efforts have paved the way for an endeavor that extends far beyond the realm of material provisions.
Giving the breakdown of the donations, he said is an array of resources and includes 2 pediatric hemodialysis machines with portable reverse osmosis dialysis water treatment plant, 93 PC laptop computers with accessories, 78,000 bottles of paracetamol syrup, 1 laboratory equipment with consumables and reagents, 2 creatinine assay kit, 153 PC tablets, 9 patient monitors, 5 ventilators and 5 oxygen concentrators.
WHO Representative used the moment to reflect upon the indispensable role these donations played during times of crisis saying “In the face of the emergencies, the generosity and support of our donor proved to be nothing short of extraordinary. Your assistance played a pivotal role in addressing the crisis, saving lives, and alleviating suffering.”
Moving on, “as we reflect upon this occasion, it’s good to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) stands firmly as your steadfast partner in advancing healthcare excellence. Together, we shall continue to navigate the intricacies of the healthcare landscape, working hand in hand to ensure that health remains a universal right and a beacon of hope for every Gambian.,” he restored more hope.
Dr Momodou Lamin Samateh, Honorable Minister of Health applauding WHO and other partners noted that the past years have been very challenging for the entire health system of the world, and “The Gambia is not left behind.”
“We struggled through the Covid-19 pandemic, missiles outbreak, and AKI outbreak altogether, so the work has been continuing, though not been easy. Nonetheless, with perseverance, dedication, hard work, and commitment to national duty we will be able to walk through the difficult times.”
he noted that the health sector cannot move forward without investment in health infrastructure, equipment, medical items, or other medical consumable, and certainly without investment in human capital and the skills of human force. “These are very important areas that we need to work on to ensure that the health sector provides ultima care for the people of this country,” he added.
He added that the government of President Adama Barrow has been committed to investment in health infrastructure, medical items, and equipment.
However, highlighted some of the achievements of the Ministry of Health and thanked their partners including WHO, UNICEF and all the UN agencies, World Bank, and others for their immense support to the country as regarding infrastructure, medical items, and so on.
The handing over was witnessed by different officials among were the Repsentatives of the Ambassador of Germany, USA, and UK, PS Ministry of Health, UN Agencies, DHS, DPS Techinical and Director of Pharmaceutical Services, DNPHL, staff of Ministry of Health and WHO.