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Caravan of Mercy donates to hospitals

Dec 21, 2011, 10:41 AM

As part of their contribution towards the socio-economic development of the country, Caravan of Mercy, a non-governmental organization, Monday donated boxes full of medical supplies and surgical items to Serrekunda Hospital, Sulayman Junkung Jammeh Hospital and the Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA).

The presentation ceremony was held at the Caravan of Mercy head office in Brikama.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Caravan of Mercy overseas coordinator, Pa Modou Sillah, gave a brief background of the organization, saying that Caravan of Mercy started as a charitable organization, but is now operating as a non-governmental organization (NGO).

He added that the organisation is here to complement the efforts of the government in delivering quality healthcare to the people, as well as to contribute to the socio-economic development by giving a helping hand to the poor, needy, widows and orphans, among other vulnerable people in the sub-region.

He then recalled some of their past donations to communities, adding that they are made on humanitarian grounds.

The donated medical items, Sillah said, were given by some of his partners in the United Kingdom, who have great concern for developing countries.

“My partners in the United Kingdom have a great affection for the development of The Gambia, especially in the health and education sectors,” he said.

Mr. Sillah assured the beneficiaries that such donation will continue, as their target is to render support to all communities in the country, adding that they will continue rendering their services to both the public and the private sectors.

According to Sillah, it is incumbent on them as an NGO to contribute their quota in the socio- economic development of the nation, by extending a helping hand to communities.

He promised that Caravan of Mercy will continue collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and will continue the good gesture for the development of the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malang Ndong chief executive officer at Serrekunda Hospital thanked Caravan of Mercy for the donation, adding that the donated items will be put into good use.

“Your desire is to reach all Gambians, and by giving the donation to these hospitals, you will reach all Gambians,” Ndong said.

He commended Caravan of Mercy for donating to his hospital for the second time, adding that the hospital will continue partnering with them.

Ndong also called on others to emulate Caravan of Mercy, saying that “we need to join hands together if we want to achieve our Vision 2020. It is a collective responsibility, and we need to work as a team for the benefit of our nation and to have a quality health sector.”

CEO Ndong stated that the donated items will reach the patients.

Momodou Njie, senior programme officer at the Gambia Family Planning Association, Ms Awa Daffeh of Sulayman Junkung Jammeh Hospital in Bwiam and Pateh Saho of Serrekunda Hospital all commended and recognized the good work of Caravan of Mercy. 

“This is the kind of NGO we are calling for in our socio-economic development, as we are all partners and need to complement each other’s efforts,” one of the beneficiaries stated.