By: Sering Mass Jallow
The Sira Burns Foundation has donated essential medical supplies to the Pediatric Unit of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul to support the treatment and recovery of burn patients.
The donation, made on Monday, 20 July 2026, included 48 tubes of silver sulfadiazine cream, 35 tubes of neomycin ointment, bottles of Brufen syrup, Ampiclox and Augmentin syrups, vitamin supplements, paracetamol syrups, protein supplements for patients, Vaseline, sponges, bleach and soaps aimed at improving infection prevention and hand hygiene among healthcare workers attending to burn victims.
The handing-over ceremony held at the Pediatric Unit of the hospital brought together senior health officials of EFSTH and representatives of the Sira Burns Foundation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Madi Jobarteh, a board member of the foundation praised the initiative describing Sira Kaba as an inspiration for young people.
He said the nine-year-old founder had demonstrated remarkable commitment to helping others despite her young age.
Sira Kaba, founder of the Sira Burns Foundation said the initiative was inspired by her personal experience and driven by her desire to ensure burn victims receive the necessary care and support for recovery.
She urged parents and guardians to take precautionary measures to protect children from dangerous items that could cause burns, noting that many incidents could be prevented through increased awareness and safety practices.
Receiving the donation on behalf of EFSTH’s Chief Medical Director and head of the Pediatric Unit, Dr Cherno S. Jallow commended the foundation for its support.
He explains that burn treatment requires intensive care and adequate resources to sustain effective services.
Dr Jallow called for greater involvement of civil society organizations in supporting the unit, stressing that government alone cannot meet all healthcare needs.
“The government cannot do it all. So we are calling on broader support towards the unit,” he said.
The hospital management also praised Sira Kaba’s commitment to humanitarian work and expressed hope that the initiative would inspire more support for healthcare services across The Gambia.
About the Author
