The new ward, which was constructed at a tune of D6.5M, was jointly finance by Mama Africa Foundation, who contributed 60% of the project with New Yundum VDC contributing 40%.
The new ward comprises a theatre, nurse station, antenatal and postnatal wards with 24 bed capacity, four labour rooms and a consultancy room, among a host of others.
Welcoming the gathering, Ousman Bojang, alkalo of New Yundum, described the new maternity ward as a milestone achievement in the community.
The new ward, he added, would now ensure effective and efficient health service delivery and thus commended Mama Africa Foundation and VDC for their joint efforts in financing this life-saving edifice.
He assured that the community of New Yundum will work closely with the Ministry to ensure sustainable development in the health facility.
Dr. Babading Sabally, deputy permanent secretary, Technical at the Ministry, underscored the importance of the new maternity ward, saying it would significantly help in ensuring safe delivery for women.
Dr. Sabaly also spoke of the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring effective and efficient healthcare service delivery in the country.
He thus thanked the New Yundum VDC and partners for complementing government efforts.
Ousman Bojang, Governor for West Coast Region, commended the New Yundum VDC for bringing what he called a ‘milestone development’ to the doorstep of the community.
He commended the sponsors for their foresight and complementing government efforts in that regard.
“This is what is needed in all VDCs in the region.” he added.
Fatou Ceesay, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Yundum Health Centre, described the facility as ‘magnificent and a milestone achievement’ and that the construction of new ward would bring so much relief to over 48,000 people within the area.
She enjoined the women of New Yundum and its satellite communities to make best use of the labour ward, saying it has the same facilities with other hospitals within the region.
“I am confident that I have the best staff in the region.” she affirmed.
Ahagie Ceesay, chairperson of New Yundum VDC, said the facility will enable residents, most especially women, to have the needed medical service at their doorsteps. He thanked Mama Africa for the support.
Marieke Vander Wal, founder of Mama Africa Gambia Foundation in Netherlands said her foundation deemed it necessary to support the project to ensure safe labour for women.
She thus, expressed gratitude to Mama Africa Gambia Foundation for its immense collaboration with the Netherland-based foundation.
Fatou Kujubeh Ceesay, New Yundum women leader, thanked the VDC and its partners for the development.
