Financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the COVID-19 Exceptional Emergency Project for Low-Income ECOWAS Member States, the move signals yet another massive investment in the sum of approximately $3.4 million out of the project’s overall $22.3 million regional budget.
The medical equipment includes oxygen concentrators, haemodialysis machines, X-ray machines, anaesthetic machines, patient monitors, diagnostic tools, biomedical engineering equipment and other critical supplies aimed at improving emergency, diagnostic and specialised healthcare services.
At the handing over ceremony held at Arch 22, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, president of the ECOWAS Commission, explained that the project is part of COVID-19 Exceptional Emergency Project for Low Income ECOWAS Member States, financed generously by the African Development Bank.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it exposed vulnerabilities in our health system, but also ignited a collective resolve. Our region, through the coordination of the West African Health Organization, mobilized to contain the ravages of the diseases by pooling our resources and aligning our policies. We learned that we are indeed better and stronger together.”
Dr Touray also reminded that the project was designed to build a legacy by strengthening ‘our health systems’ to combat future public health emergencies and other infectious diseases.
“The investments made here are investments in the resilience of our people. We are profoundly grateful for the partnership of the African Development Bank, whose vision and support have been instrumental. Under this project, we have seen remarkable progress.”
He disclosed that a total of 1,427 health professionals have been trained; 55 points of entry have been equipped, and thousands of sets of personal protective equipment have been procured.
“Today's handover of 10 ambulances, along with essential biomedical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, hemodialysis machines and x-ray units will significantly strengthen the identity care by agnostic and specialized clinical services across the Gambia.”
This support, he added, will immediately improve the quality of care and timely access for life-saving services for most vulnerable populations in the Gambia.
Dr Touray described the intervention as a landmark demonstration of regional solidarity, stressing that the investment extends beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to building resilient health systems capable of responding to future public health emergencies.
Receiving the items on behalf of The Gambian leader, Muhamadou B.S. Jallow, vice president, expressed appreciation to the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the foresight and generous support.
Jallow described the support as a significant investment in the Gambia's healthcare system and demonstrates, through collective action, that ECOWAS Member States and their partners can deliver results that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Today, we are handing over a fleet of modern ambulances and critical equipment, including ventilators, concentrators and their accessories, monitors, X-ray machines, anaesthetic machines, haemodialysis machines, diagnostic tools, biomedical engineering tools, and more.”
This gesture, he added, is a direct response to a critical need, noting that rural and remote communities continue to face the harrowing task of transporting ill family members to health facilities.
“The journey that should take minutes can take hours, often with devastating consequences. These ambulances will now be deployed in such communities to serve as vessels of hope, bridging the gap between a village and a clinic, between life and death.”
To the Ministry of Health, VP Jallow urged them to manage these assets with the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
“Ensure that spare parts are available, maintenance schedules are followed, and that these vehicles and machines never sit idle due to negligence.”
Earlier on, Dr Ahmad Lamin Samateh, minister of Health, described the event as yet another important day in the history of the health service as they took delivery items with the support of West African Health Oragnisation and the African Development Bank.
Minister Samateh revealed that WAHO and the Ministry of Health has been long standing, recalling that WAHO has been very supportive when it comes to capacity building, training within and outside the country.
“In fact, WAHO has been our most active partner when it comes to training of our people throughout the region.”
From the laboratories, to the surveillance units, to all cadre of staff, minister Samateh acknowledged that the institution has been there and hardly a month passes without WAHO sending an invitation for capacity building for health staff.
‘So, today marks another very important day because today happens to be the anniversary celebration of WAHO.” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Melchior Aïssi, Director-General of WAHO, underscored the importance of the items in strengthening the country’s health care sector.
The event was graced by cabinet ministers, representatives of the African Development Bank, senior ECOWAS officials, development partners and health ministry staff.
