ANG

Gambia/ President Barrow Hands Over Two Ambulances to Strengthen Emergency Healthcare in North Bank

Bissau, 11 Ago 26 (ANG) - As part of his ongoing nationwide development tour, President Adama Barrow has presided over the official handover of two heavy-duty Toyota Land Cruiser ambulances to health facilities in Fass Njaga Choi and Keur Mamma in the North Bank Region.

The handover is expected to strengthen The Gambia’s emergency referral system and support efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage, particularly for communities in hard-to-reach areas.The ambulances will improve access to timely emergency medical and obstetric care, while supporting national efforts to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.

The vehicles were provided through the support and collaboration of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO).

Equipped for emergency medical transport, the ambulances will enhance the capacity of health facilities to respond to critical cases and facilitate timely referrals to secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

Their deployment is expected to improve emergency response times and ease transportation challenges faced by communities requiring urgent medical attention.

In a significant milestone for The Gambia’s health sector, the ambulance assigned to the Fass Njaga Choi Health Post will be driven by Ms. Kumba Touray, reportedly the country’s only female ambulance driver. Her appointment marks an important step towards advancing gender inclusion and creating opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated technical and emergency response roles.

With her specialized training and ability to remain composed under pressure, Ms. Touray joins the emergency response workforce at a critical time. Her role also serves as an inspiring example for young Gambian women interested in pursuing careers in frontline health services.

The second ambulance, assigned to Keur Mamma, will strengthen emergency medical transport services at the facility and across its surrounding catchment communities. It will improve access to timely medical care and facilitate referrals for patients requiring urgent or specialized treatment.

The Ministry of Health expresses its appreciation to His Excellency the President for his continued commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in rural communities, and to the AfDB, ECOWAS and WAHO for their valuable partnership and support.

It further calls on community members, Village Development Committees, and health facility management teams in Fass Njaga Choi and Keur Mamma to take ownership of these vital national assets and ensure their proper use, maintenance, and sustainability for the benefit of present and future generations.

ANG / Gambia Daily