The aim of the project is to provide quality Maternity unit offering ante and post natal care to the women of Nyofelleh and surrounding villages. This would ensure a safe environment for delivery of babies with the support of trained health staff. Health awareness within the community will also be addressed by the provision of such a service.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Colin Crorkin said: “Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests and participants. It is a pleasure to be invited here today to give a short statement on the launching of the British Embassy and the Derek Bailey Foundation funded Maternity unit project at Nyofelleh Health Clinic.
“This Embassy funded project is being implemented in partnership with the Derek Bailey Foundation, the Village Development Committee of Nyofelleh and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with the aim of contributing towards the delivery of quality maternal health care services in Nyofelleh.
“The project will construct a maternity unit building and provide accommodation for a trained midwife. The establishment of a safe environment that has trained personnel will ensure quality health care delivery at the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, birth and post natal stages.
“Once completed – and the plan is for this to happen within 3 months - this maternity unit will contribute towards achieving The Gambia’s Maternity health targets and contribute towards assisting women during vulnerable stages of their pregnancy.
“The British Embassy is proud to be associated with this project: it will contribute towards reducing the maternal mortality ratio and facilitate access to quality reproductive health care continuing progress in an area where The Gambia has already made significant gains.
“I am also delighted that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the VDC and community members will play an important role in this project.
“Once the maternity unit has been completed, it is also hoped that other local communities in The Gambia can mirror these successes by working in partnership with organisations such as the Derek Bailey Foundation and The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in the provision of quality health care.
“I wish you well for the day and it is with great honour that I launch this project and I look forward to a successful project implementation that will serve the needs of the community and contribute towards strengthening health care delivery in The Gambia.”
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Hon. Abdou Colley, NAM for Kombo South, stated: “I want to thank the British Embassy, the Derek Bailey Foundation, VDC, Alkalo, Imam, council of elders of the village and Brikama Area Council for gracing this occasion and that the project will go a long way to alleviating the hardship women usually undergo.”
The VDC Chairman for Nyofelleh, Mr Malang Dahaba, applauded this health delivery intervention and conveyed his sincere gratitude towards this life-changing initiative.
The Derek Bailey Foundation also extended its gratitude for the collaboration and looks forward to a good project implementation.
They also thanked the community for their efforts and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the provision of a midwife.
