The
Catholic Development Office (CaDO), a non-profit organisation over the weekend
donated medical equipment to St. Lazarus clinic, Bansang, Bundung, Edward
Francis, Farafenni and Kanifing General hospitals.
Among
the items given were: 19 firefly phototherapy, 11 calibri phototherapy, two
wallaby warmer, 23 12V uninterruptible power supply, 11 nursing kits and 19
internal backup batteries.
The
organization, registered under the Ministry of Justice has its mandate to
coordinate its economic, social and development areas with the aim of attaining
a more humane society irrespective of creed, race or ideology.
At
the handing over ceremony, the chairman board of directors at CaDO, Mr. Simon
V.P. Cole stated that their vision is to attain the fullness of life of the
human person and elimination of poverty in all its forms among people in The
Gambia.
He
said among their activities is HIV/AIDS care and support, child protection, malaria
prevention, strengthening the capacities of parishes, primary health care,
water and sanitation, agriculture/horticulture, fisheries, emergency relief
among others.
He
added that Day One Health, CA, USA and CaDO are partners that signed MoU in
December 2019 for the donation of the equipment.
“The
goal of this high-tech medical equipment to hospitals for the treatment of
newborns is the reduction of neonatal mortality and morbidity in low resource
countries/environments.”
Mr.
Cole emphasised that Day One Health is an American humanitarian organisation
operating in the health and education sectors.
“Through
its ‘Breath of Life’ programme, it aims to reduce newborn mortality and
morbidity in hospitals and clinics through the donation of appropriate equipment.”
Kebba
Manneh, the Chief Executive Officer of Kanifing General Hospital, thanked the
organisation for their kind gesture, while affirming that the materials will be
put in good use.
“On
behalf of the hospital CEOs, I thank you and we are looking forward to a
stronger partnership.”
