Besides, these items, which are always in high demand at the hospital, according to officials, would henceforth augment their services especially in the timely management of sickle cell cases, while enhancing quality health care services in the country.
Welcoming the gathering, Samba Bah, director of Administration on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, EFSTH, thanked the management of Access Bank for all their support towards strengthening health care services and in helping the country's main referral hospital reach some targets.
He lauded the bank for the timely intervention, adding that these are valued and important items that would greatly enhance service delivery at the Hospital especially at the Paediatric Unit.
Presenting the items, Katty Jatta, head Corporate Communications, Access Bank, disclosed that at Access Bank, they believe that corporate success is measured not only by financial performance, but by the positive impact created in the communities they serve.
‘Health is the foundation of every thriving society, and for children, timely and accurate diagnosis can make the difference between life and death. By equipping EFSTH’s Children’s Laboratory with these reagents, we aim to strengthen diagnostic capacity and support the incredible work of healthcare professionals who serve with passion and resilience every day.’
This donation, she added, is part of their broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) agenda, which focuses on education, health, environment, entrepreneurship, and community development.
‘We recognize that partnerships between the private sector and public institutions are essential for sustainable progress. Together, we can build a healthcare system that is inclusive, efficient, and capable of meeting the needs of every Gambian child.’
To that end, she extended special commendation to the management and staff of EFSTH for their unwavering dedication to pediatric care.
‘Your work inspires us and reinforces our belief that investing in health is investing in the future.’
She expressed optimism that the items donated would serve as a reminder that Access Bank is not just a financial institution, but also a partner in national development, committed to creating opportunities.
Haddy Bah, Chief Scientist, Department of Laboratory Medicine, EFSTH, described the gesture as timely, reminding that sickle cell is a disease that is on the increase in the country especially among Gambian children.
‘Studies have shown that 17% to 18% of newborns have the sickle cell. And this can translate into 1,230 newborn babies annually having sickle cell disease in this country. So this moment is very, very pivotal in our health care today and having Access Bank donating this reagent for us, the laboratory scientists, to be able to diagnose newborn babies.’
To this end, she outlined the importance of early screening, noting that early detection leads to early management and a better patient outcome.
Muhammed Bah, president of Parents Fighting Against Sickle Cell Disease in the country, on behalf of the association, extended heartfelt commendation to the bank for the gesture.
Bah bemoaned some of their challenges in the past as parents of children suffering from sickle cell diseases, however; these items donated would greatly help in detecting children that are suffering from these sickle cell anemia.
‘So, we thank Access Bank for a job well done.’
Other speakers like Dr Lamin Makalo, consultant Paediatrician at Department of Paediatrics and Dr. Sara Loetz, Consultant Paediatrician and acting head at Department of Paediatrics, EFSTH, both commended the Bank for its foresight and commitment to the plight of Gambian children.
Both lamented the challenges they have undergone in the past especially in managing children with the condition, which he said, sometimes forced then to look for other alternative hospitals like MRC and LSTH, among others to refer some of their cases.
Thus, they called on other institutions to emulate the bank in enhancing the country's health care sector.
