The outreach, staged in the Tabacco community, offered vital services including screening for diabetes, hypertension and other non‑communicable diseases. Patients were also provided with free medication and referrals for further treatment, underscoring the growing cooperation between The Gambia and Cuba in the health sector.
Hon. Modou Lamin Bah, National Assembly Member for Banjul North and Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Select Committee on Health, said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and advance universal health coverage.
“Prevention remains one of the moPMst effective ways of improving public health,” he noted. “We are not only offering free screening today but also providing medication to those who need it. Those whose conditions require further treatment will be referred to hospitals, and the medical team will continue to follow up on their progress.”
Bah expressed gratitude to the Cuban Embassy and the Cuban Medical Brigade, describing the partnership as a significant contribution to community health.
Youth Councillor for the Banjul City Council, Abdoulie Kurubally, highlighted the importance of the programme for vulnerable residents. “Many members of our community cannot afford routine screening because of the cost. Today’s exercise gives them an opportunity to receive these services free of charge and understand their health condition,” he said.
Head of the Cuban Medical Team, Eucalia Mantilla, reaffirmed Cuba’s long‑standing commitment to The Gambia’s healthcare system, noting that Cuban doctors have served in the country for three decades.
Cuban Ambassador Carmelina Ramírez Rodríguez echoed this sentiment, stressing that the outreach reflected the solidarity that has defined relations between Banjul and Havana for decades. “Our medical brigade is in The Gambia with one objective – to bring healthcare to the people. We were pleased to respond to this request from the Honourable Member for Banjul North, and this will not be our last activity in the community,” she said.
She added that the initiative coincided with Cuba’s National Liberation Day celebrations, with the embassy choosing to mark the occasion by giving back to Gambians through free healthcare services.
