By Yunus S Saliu
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday handed over two Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) autoclave machines to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) through the Ministry of Health at a ceremony held at the hospital premises.
Dr. Nathan Nsubuga Bakyaita, WHO Country Representative to The Gambia, expressed delight over the donation, describing it as a milestone in strengthening infection prevention and control and improving healthcare delivery in the country.
“This moment marks an important milestone in strengthening infection prevention and control, and in advancing the quality of healthcare services in The Gambia,” he said.
Dr. Bakyaita praised the Ministry of Health and EFSTH management for prioritising patient safety, clinical excellence, and health system improvement. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting national efforts to build resilient and safe health service delivery systems.
He described EFSTH as the country’s flagship tertiary hospital, providing specialised care and serving as a centre for medical training and research. “With increasing patient volumes, complex procedures and diverse clinical needs, the demands on the hospital’s Central Sterile Supply Department have never been greater,” he noted.
Highlighting the importance of CSSD, Dr. Bakyaita said: “Without reliable sterilisation, surgeries cannot proceed on time, equipment cannot be safely reused, and the risk of healthcare-associated infections increases significantly.” He added that outdated or malfunctioning equipment could compromise patient safety and public confidence in the health system.
The two autoclave machines, valued at $49,970, represent a timely investment in modernising the hospital’s sterilisation capacity.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Momodou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health, described the handover as a significant development for The Gambia’s healthcare system. “This is a phenomenal moment for our health sector. The handing over of these autoclaves is one of the biggest events for our hospital today,” he said.
Dr. Samateh highlighted that the new equipment is a major upgrade from previous machines in terms of size, functionality, and efficiency. “These are state-of-the-art autoclaves. I do not think we have ever had this kind of complex equipment of this size before,” he added. He further stressed the importance of equipping health facilities with modern tools to enhance healthcare delivery and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to health sector development under President Adama Barrow.
Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director of EFSTH, thanked WHO for the donation, describing the organisation as a consistent partner of both the Ministry of Health and the hospital. Fabakary Trawally of the hospital’s CSSD also commended WHO and the Ministry of Health for their continued support.
Meanwhile, businessman Sanna Jabang donated 200 blankets to EFSTH during the ceremony. Both the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Director praised the gesture.
