United Nations High Commission for Refugee (UNHCR) in partnership with Gambia Food and Nutrition Association (GAFNA) on 30 March 2011 officially handed over medical drugs, an ambulance and other materials to seven health facilities in the country.
The items were presented at a ceremony held at GAFNA head office behind the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
The seven health facilities that benefited from the donation include Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, Jammeh Foundation for
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Sekou Saho, Head of UNHCR Office in The
He said they were pleased to witness the donation of substantial quantity and quality medical drugs, materials and an ambulance to their collaborators. The gesture, he said, is part of their efforts to help support quality health service delivery to refugees and their host communities.
He stated that the total value of the donation is about D1.8 million, adding that their primary purpose at the UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of refugees.
He added: "In our efforts to achieve this objective, we work in partnership with government, regional, international organisations and NGOs, and this occasion is certainly another true manifestation of this partnership."
He noted that the purpose of the donation is to contribute towards the Gambia Government's efforts in ensuring quality health services delivery to all those living in the country, including refugees.
Mr Saho added that in addition to the medical items being donated, UNHCR through its implementing partner GAFNA supported some infrastructural rehabilitation of two health facilities (Kafuta and Bullock).
He noted that UNHCR is grateful to the Gambian authorities for opening its doors to refugees to integrate in the country without any restrictions on their movements.
Ms Ellen Bornor, Counseling Nurse at GAFNA, said over the years GAFNA as an implementing partner to UNHCR, has been responsible for healthcare of both urban and rural refugees in all aspects.
Omar Sey, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Health, said the donation is a sign of true partnership between GAFNA and UNHCR.
He thanked them for helping in complementing government's efforts in health service delivery. Sey expressed hope that the materials donated will be put into good use.
