The government of the Gambia has obtained funds from both GAVI and BADEA for the construction of six health posts and eight new health centers across the nation, according to Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, the country’s minister of health.

On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, before members of the National Assembly, Dr. Samateh made this statement in response to a question posed by Hon. Alimameh Gibba, the Member for Foni Kansala, on behalf of Hon. Amie Colley, the other MP from Foni Brefet.

While noting that the Minister had declared Kanjabina to be one of the villages on the list of new health facilities to be built some time ago, Hon. Gibba urged the Health Minister to indicate how soon the Ministry is going to construct the abovementioned centers.

In response, Health Minister Samateh stated that “funding has been secured for the second phase of eight facilities, which will include Bulenghat and Kanjabina in the West Coast Region.” He also stated that “constriction work for the first phase, which is the sixth health facilities, has started.” According to him, the facilities are located at Timbingkoto, Bakau and Tallinding in the Kanifing Municipality, Medina Madun in the NBR, Koro Jula Kunda in URR, and Chamen Kerr Baidam in the NBR. He stated that construction on these medical facilities is anticipated to begin in September 2024.

In a follow-up inquiry, Hon. Gibba questioned the Minister about the immediate steps his Ministry would take to maintain the current state of the Kanjabina health center. He cited the situation in Foni Brefet, Kanjabina, which lacks a health facility close to the village save those in Sibanor and Brikiam.

Dr. Samateh stated that even prior to the start of this initiative, residents of the area were regularly receiving health services, and that this service provision will continue. The building of new medical facilities will guarantee access and equity in the delivery of health services, he added, adding that the Gambia is not yet where “we want it.” The Health Minister was questioned by Hon. Dembo Sanneh, the Member for Foni Bondali, on whether or not all of the aforementioned facilities will open for business in September.

In response, Health Minister Samateh stated that work on six health posts nationwide has begun and that building on all eight health facilities will begin in September. He declared that his ministry will officially lay the foundation stone for each and every facility that receives GAVI funding very soon. According to Dr. Samateh, money has already been set aside by BADEA for the development of the eight medical facilities.