By: Sering Mass Jallow
The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) has inaugurated a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) aimed at improving access to specialized healthcare for premature and critically ill newborns.
The facility was inaugurated on Monday by First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow in the presence of senior health officials, government representatives, healthcare professionals and international partners.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the hospital’s boardroom, the First Lady described the new unit as a symbol of hope for Gambian families and an important step towards strengthening newborn healthcare services.
She says the facility represents a collective commitment to ensuring that every child has access to life-saving care and the opportunity to survive and reach their full potential.
“We are strengthening a lifeline for our most vulnerable citizens, our newborn babies, and reaffirming our collective determination to ensure every child has the opportunity to survive and fulfil their God-given potential,” she said.
Fatoumatta Bah Barrow says the NICU reflects ongoing efforts to achieve universal health coverage in The Gambia by providing families with confidence in a healthcare system capable of managing premature births and critical newborn conditions.
Representing the World Bank Group, Dr Franklin Mutahakana welcomed the government’s commitment to using development support to improve healthcare services and said the new facility contributed to the country’s long-term universal health coverage agenda.
He, however, stressed the importance of maintaining the facility and ensuring sustainable management of the equipment.
“Buildings and equipment do not save lives on their own. The dedication, professionalism and compassion of workers are what transform investments into better outcomes,” he said.
Dr Mutahakana assured that the World Bank would continue supporting The Gambia’s efforts to build a stronger health system capable of protecting mothers, newborns and communities.
The Chief Medical Director of EFSTH, Dr Mustapha Bittaye, urged healthcare workers at the facility to maintain professionalism and commitment in providing quality services to newborns and mothers.
Health professionals at EFSTH said the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit would significantly improve maternal and newborn healthcare services by providing specialized care during the critical early days after birth.
They said the facility would help reduce challenges faced by families seeking emergency newborn care and strengthen the hospital’s capacity to manage complicated neonatal cases.
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