The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday 16th August Donated Medical Equipment and Laptops worth D37 million to the Expanded Program on Immunization of the Ministry of Health.

The donated items included 2 pediatric Hemodialysis machines, 29 PC Laptops Computers With accessories, 78,000 bottles of Paracetamol syrup, 1 laboratory equipment with consumables, 2 creatinine assay kits, 153 PC tablets, 9 patients monitors, 5 ventilators, and 5 oxygen concentrators.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Desta Tiruneh, WHO representative to the Gambia, said his institution finds itself on the threshold of a truly transformative chapter in its ongoing journey towards enhancing the health and well-being of the Gambian population.

Dr. Tiruneh said the donated items will bring a positive impact to the healthcare system in the Gambia.

“The collective value of these contributions is worth over D37M (611,463.32 USD) and stands as a testimony to the generosity and unwavering dedication of multiple stakeholders. Among them, we express our deepest gratitude to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom for their wholehearted support. Their combined efforts have proved the way for an endeavor that extends beyond the realm of

He said the donations are an array of resources that spans from cutting-edge computers and PC tablets designed to transform the surveillance system and data management to indispensable laboratory consumables and advanced equipment that will foster an environment for medical excellence.

“It is good to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) stands firmly as a steadfast partner in advancing healthcare excellence,” he said.  

Dr. Desta Tiruneh went on to reiterate their continued commitment 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.

Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, the Minister of Health, expressed his appreciation for receiving the medical items from WHO.  

Hon. Samateh highlighted the fact that the government cannot do it alone while calling on the development partners to support the government’s efforts to ensure quality healthcare across the country.

He said the health sector cannot move forward without investment in health infrastructure, equipment, and human capital, describing them as a very important area that they need to work on to ensure good quality delivery across the country.

He added that the government of President Adama Barrow has been committed when it comes to providing and investing in healthcare

“With regard to health infrastructure development inherited dilapidated health infrastructure across the length and breadth of this country, His Excellency instructed that we revamp the health infrastructure, we rebuild new facilities across the length and breadth of this country to ensure that there is universal access to health services across the country. But of course, having health facilities alone is not enough, if we don’t have the equipment that the health workers need to provide these critical services,” he said.

The Health Minister said, WHO has been their fundamental partner, and has been very supportive in the provision of life-saving equipment.

By Ramatoulie Jawo