Power Up
Gambia, a United States-based charitable organisation, on 16 October 2014
donated highly sophisticated Ebola testing machines and other medical items
worth over US$150,000 to Sulayman Junkung General Hospital in Bwiam in the West
Coast Region.
The charity was pioneered by the CEO of the SJGH, Kebba S. Badjie, who doubles as an honorary member of the executive council of Power Up Gambia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Badjie highlighted the significance of the donation, which helps the hospital to prepare for any reported Ebola outbreak in the area.
He commended the President for building such a hospital at the doorsteps of the people of Foni, and thanked the staff for their hard work and dedication to duty.
The funds were raised by students of the University of Pennsylvania who volunteered at the hospital sometime last year, through an online crowd funding campaign in order to keep The Gambia an Ebola–free country, he said.
The principal nursing officer, Kaddy Jammeh, gave the vote of thanks, and said the items would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the hospital and government in the preparedness for the Ebola virus and other deadly diseases.
The equipment included personal protective gear, some medical items and other vital equipment meant to strengthen the level of preparedness to face any suspected Ebola case in the country.
It would be recalled that the charity has successfully established a 12.5kw solar energy power system, which provides 60% of the energy needs of the hospital.