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WHO Enhances Emergency Healthcare in The Gambia with New Ambulances and Oxygen Equipment
Banjul, The Gambia – In a significant boost to The Gambia’s emergency medical services, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated two state-of-the-art ambulances along with essential oxygen delivery equipment to the Ministry of Health (MoH). This contribution aims to strengthen the country’s capacity for rapid emergency referrals and critical care interventions.
Details of the Donation Package
Valued at nearly USD 200,000 (approximately GMD 15 million), the donation package includes:
- Two fully outfitted ambulances equipped for emergency response
- Twenty oxygen cylinders
- Twenty oxygen regulators
- Ten oxygen concentrators
- Spare parts and accessories for the oxygen concentrators
Addressing Regional Healthcare Gaps
During the handover ceremony, attended by Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Honourable Minister of Health, WHO Representative Dr. Nathan Bakyaita, senior MoH officials, and frontline healthcare providers, the Minister highlighted the urgent need for improved emergency transport, especially in the Central River Region (CRR). One of the ambulances will be immediately assigned to CRR to facilitate faster transfers of critically ill patients, including pregnant women and children from remote areas.
“This timely support will significantly enhance our referral system, particularly in underserved regions where access to emergency transport has been a persistent challenge,” stated Dr. Samateh. “The ambulances and oxygen concentrators will directly contribute to saving lives by ensuring timely medical interventions.”
WHO’s Commitment to Life-Saving Healthcare
Dr. Nathan Bakyaita emphasized the critical role of the donated equipment in emergency care. “Every second counts in emergencies. These ambulances and oxygen supplies are vital tools that bring lifesaving care to those in urgent need. WHO is dedicated to partnering with The Gambian government to build a resilient, responsive, and patient-centered health system.”
He added, “Our healthcare workers have always possessed the expertise; now, with these ambulances, they have the means to reach patients swiftly. This donation reaffirms our shared commitment that no Gambian should lose their life due to delayed medical assistance.”
Importance of Timely Emergency Transport and Oxygen Therapy
Access to reliable transportation and oxygen therapy is crucial in managing emergencies such as childbirth complications or severe respiratory illnesses like pneumonia. Delays in transferring patients can lead to irreversible outcomes. Strengthening these services is essential to reducing preventable mortality and ensuring equitable healthcare access across all regions.
Strengthening Partnerships for Health System Resilience
This handover exemplifies the ongoing collaboration between WHO and the Ministry of Health to enhance emergency preparedness and improve the national referral system. The strategic deployment of an ambulance to the CRR reflects a focused effort to bridge regional disparities in emergency healthcare availability.
WHO remains steadfast in its mission to guarantee that every Gambian, regardless of location, can access timely, safe, and high-quality health services.
