#National News

Free Medical outreach brings lifesaving care to Brikama Jamisa

Apr 23, 2026, 12:13 PM | Article By: Sally Fatty

Residents of Brikama Jamisa have benefited from a week-long free medical outreach that delivered essential healthcare services to hundreds of vulnerable people, many of whom struggle to access basic medical care.

The outreach, spearheaded by Reverend Bidwell Mendy of the Calvary United Community Church in collaboration with a United States-based team from Global Health Outreach, marks yet another milestone in an ongoing humanitarian partnership dedicated to improving healthcare access in The Gambia.

This latest mission represents the sixth visit by the Global Health Outreach team to the country, underscoring a sustained commitment to supporting underserved communities through the provision of free, quality healthcare services.

Speaking during the outreach, the team leader, Dr Candi Overholt, emphasised that the primary goal of the initiative is to bridge the healthcare gap by reaching those most in need.

Our mission is to provide free and quality healthcare services to vulnerable communities who otherwise may not have access to these services, she explained.

Dr Overholt further explained that the outreach offers a wide range of medical services, including blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing, dental care, and eye examinations. These services, she noted, are critical in early detection and management of health conditions that often go untreated due to financial constraints.

She expressed optimism about the sustainability of the initiative, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration and local support. Dr Overholt also commended Reverend Mendy for his dedication in maintaining the partnership over the years, describing his role as instrumental in ensuring the success of the outreach.

Reverend Bidwell Mendy, for his part, described the outreach as a significant intervention in addressing healthcare challenges many communities face. He reaffirmed the church’s commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift lives and promote wellbeing.

This initiative is very important for our community, he said. We will continue to support and partner with organisations that bring such meaningful services to our people.

Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed gratitude for what they described as timely and much-needed support, especially at a time when access to healthcare remains a challenge for many families.

For many residents, the outreach not only provided treatment but also offered hope, as they were able to consult qualified health professionals without the burden of cost. 

The initiative also served as a platform for volunteer health professionals including doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists to contribute their expertise toward improving community health outcomes. 

As the outreach concludes, its impact is expected to linger, with many residents now better informed about their health conditions and equipped with the necessary care and guidance.