Kambengo Foundation boosts health sector

Kambengo Foundation of Netherlands yesterday presented medical equipment to different health facilities across the country.

The items were presented at a ceremony held at the Jammeh Foundation for Peace Hospital in Bundung.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Kebba Manneh, coordinator of Kambengo Projects in The Gambia who also doubles as Chief Executive of Jammeh Foundation for Peace Hospital, spoke about their interventions in the country.

According to him, from 2004 to date Kambengo Foundation supported The Gambia’s healthcare and has implemented various projects in the country.

The project, which includes safe drinking water for eight rural villages, also embarks on tree planting exercises in Badibou Gunjur, Kaur and Kerr Pateh in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry.

He said that besides all the assistance to communities, Kambengo granted more than 55 scholarships to the University of The Gambia, the GTTI and other institutions.

Mr Manneh said the medical equipment donated to health facilities include delivery beds, baby cots and sterilisers.

He stated that among the health facilities that benefit from the support were the Jammeh Foundation for Peace Hospital (JFPH), Kerewan Health Centre, Kuntair Health Centre, Njain Sanjal Health Centre, Ballangarr Health Centre, Illiasa Health Centre and Albreda Health Centre.

“This development is as a result of an assessment visit by the members of the foundation to each of these health facilities,” he said.

Manneh also disclosed that the foundation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare since 2008, saying they are committed to the implementation of the MOU.

He disclosed that experts will be coming from the Netherlands to train medical staff on how to handle and maintain the medical equipment.

“Ballangarr Health Centre has been renovated through the support of the foundation and the next facility to renovate will be Kuntair Health Centre,” he said.

The Deputy Director of Health Services, Adama Demba, noted that the medical equipment and supplies are relevant to the needs of the country’s healthcare delivery system.

The donated materials are highly needed to supplement The Government’s in health delivery, adding that the efforts of the Ministry of Health are geared towards providing holistic and quality health care services to individuals and families.

He thanked the foundation for the donation and assured them that the equipment will be used for the right purpose.

In delivering the vote of thanks, Nancy Njie, executive director of Jammeh Foundation for Peace, described the donation as timely and important.

She also used the occasion to thank Kebba Manneh for his efforts in trying to raise health to higher heights.