Standard Chartered Bank donates D7.5m to WHO to support a countrywide scale up of laboratory testing for COVID-19 in The Gambia

Mustapha John, Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand & Marketing said as the country begins to ease some restrictions it is important to test, trace, treat and isolate. The donation equivalent to $145,000.00 will help in achieving that. This will prevent further escalation of the pandemic to scenarios requiring more resource intensive response measures and unnecessary loss of life in the country.

WHO working closely with the Ministry of Health as its implementing partner will be able to implement the project as follows:

1. A total of 64 health facilities (public and private) will be used for screening and for collecting samples. All samples from other health facilities will be collected by the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).
2. A minimum of three staff per health facility will be trained on screening and sample collection for COVID-19.
3. Sample collection booths will be installed in 30 health facilities.
4. All samples will be collected daily by noon and transported to the the identified health facilities to the designated laboratories by trained staff.
5. Any sample collected after noon will be stored under recommended conditions until the following day.
6. A comprehensive list of essential laboratory items for sample collection, transportation and testing will be procured.

Dr Desta Tiruneh WHO resident representative said the intervention is very timely and thanked Standard Chartered for making the donation. Mr Lamin Dampha, Deputy Permanent Secretary 2 at the Ministry of Health also thanked the Bank for joining the collective fight against COVID-19