The donation represents the charity’s unrelenting effort to positively contribute to the country’s health care sector.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), acknowledged that they’ve been working with officials at the Trust for a while now, saying he when he joined the hospital, the Mammogram was not in operation for some reasons.
Also, he thanked Steve for the passion shown adding during that period Steve was on them every day to make sure that together they surmount those challenges.
“We were able to do it successful and for a time now the Mammogram has been working serving Gambia women. Thus, we thanked the charity for all their support.”
Dr. Bittaye on behalf of the management expressed gratitude to the team at the Radiology department for their dedication, further underscoring the importance of the mammogram machine.
He assured that the team would work towards ensuring that the machine serves it purpose.
Dr. Steve Bico, Chief Executive Officer, Sunshine With Smile Trust, recalled that in 2016 he had an encountered a lady during a visit to Campama School to talk about important initiatives geared towards the development of the school.
‘After knowing that he (Steve) is a professional doctor, she complaint that she always felt pain in her breast.’
He said after carefully observing a lump on her breast, he confirmed that it was a cancer, adding that she told him that she visited hospital only to be given antibiotics.
Dr. Steve recalled that he took it upon himself to escort her to the hospital where they met a surgeon, who later told them that they would like a Mammogram as they have not got the machine.
This, he said, was how he became involved in the whole initiative, adding that finding the right machine and funding also took some time.
For his part, Professor Bello, head of Radiology Department at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, recalled that the UK charity has been in The Gambia since 2010 and are involved in health development.
Prof. Bello underscored the importance of the donated machine, adding that prior to that, they also donated some ultra sound machines to the hospital.
To that end, he thanked the charity for the foresight and passion in not only donating items to the hospital but also making sure they work and serve its purpose.
Prof. Bellow revealed that breast cancer is the commonest killer among women in Africa, adding early detection saves life and that is only guaranteed when there is mammogram in service.
For his part, Lamin Dampha, permanent secretary 2 at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged that equipping the country’s main referral hospital with vital equipment is further strengthening the country’s health services.
He equally called on other partners to support in any way they could especially in lifesaving machines, noting that the donation of this vital machine would go a long way in strengthening the country’s health care sector.
‘Your generosity has left a significant mark on our efforts and we are incredibly thankful for your support.’
