The founder of the Diabgroup foundation in Germany, Ferdinand Franz, who is currently in The Gambia has disclosed that one of his foundation's major aims is to contribute their quota to national development and complement government's effort in improving health, education and agriculture sectors of The Gambia.
According to him, his foundation has a work plan to improve the health condition of diabetic patients in The Gambia, by providing them with more medication, equipment and giving them better advice.
Mr. Franz, who was speaking in an interview with our reporter in Banjul shortly after paying a courtesy call on Dr. Alieu Gaye, the President of the Gambia Diabetes Association, said his foundation planned to arrange visits for diabetic doctors from Germany to The Gambia.
He stated that Diabgroup is currently taking care of 14 diabetic children and providing them with blood sugar equipment, including Insulin, and test strips, and sponsoring them with their education.
He also asserted that the Diabgroup is assisting diabetic patients in The Gambia with medications for hospitals through Dr. Alieu Gaye.
He further revealed that Diabgroup had plans to provide a vehicle for the organisation, to help in the transportation of diabetic patients in The Gambia, and to help with the distribution of Insulin and other medication.
Mr. Franz said the health and diabetes concept of Diabgroup Gambia Friends Bayern E.V was establish in the year 2003, adding that the group is a member of the Diabetes Federation Bavaria in
He said the foundation also seeks to provide them with free medication during their treatment.
According to him, Diabgruop Gambia Friends E.V is currently active within the Greater Banjul Area in Darsilami, and other parts of the country.
He said the objective of the Diabgroup project is to facilitate treatment and care to patients, local communities, schools and other groups of people with the support of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. He also revealed that Diabgroup has spent more than 10,000 Euros to support ST. Patricks Lower Basic School. He said from 2002, to date Diabgroup has successfully sponsored 45 school children, including school uniforms, computers, building of teachers' quarters and renovation of school doors, among others.
