By Binta Jaiteh
The Ministry of health has received medical items worth more than D7 million donated by the Nafanta Foundation in collaboration with CHAFFINCH TRUST, a charitable organization based in United Kingdom.
The presentation ceremony of the medical items was held at the Central Medical Store, Kotu on Wednesday.
The items included intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, wheelchairs, chairs, facemasks, mattresses, and bandages amongst other.
Speaking at the presentation, Buba Darboe, Program Manager at the Ministry of Health described the donated materials as “lifesaving,” adding that it would help to better strengthen the health sector. He confirmed that the materials donated are of high quality and can last longer.
“This partnership is very helpful to the Ministry and the Gambian people at large,” Buba Darboe said, adding the Ministry was glad to receive the materials and assured the donors that the materials will be used for the intended purpose, “these medical items are highly demanded at this time.”
Alastrair Smith, CHAFFINCH TRUST representative, said the materials donated to the Health Ministry are meant to better strengthen the health sector and to make quality health accessible to all Gambians.
Modou Faye, Nafanta Foundation (CHEEPP CHARITY UK) spoke on behalf of the foundation. He said the foundation’s objective is to help the needy and also to continue on the support that Nafanta has been offering to Gambians before her death.
He gave assurance that this will not be the last time the foundation will support Gambians especially the health sector, while expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for facilitating the shipment of the container to the country.
Fatou Samateh, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health said the donation was timely she therefore expressed the ministry’s appreciation to their partners.
Rene Geofrey Renner, Chairman of Ministry of Health’s Donation Committee also thanked the donors for the gesture. He promised that they would distribute the materials to the beneficiaries, as the role of the committee is to maintain accountability.
“As a committee, we make sure that every donation received gets to its beneficiaries. This committee was set up to enhance transparency and accountability in handling medical donations.” He later commended the donors for the initiative and called on others to emulate them.
The Nafanta Foundation was formed to promote awareness of anxiety and depression in societies and contribute to the support of the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people in deprived communities.
