By Fatou Bojang
The China Medical Team in The Gambia recently donated thousands of dollars’ worth of medical drugs and supplies to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul on Thursday. This generous contribution reinforces the longstanding relationship between the two nations and enhances healthcare services for the Gambian population.
During the presentation ceremony held on the hospital grounds, Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director at EFSTH, expressed his gratitude for China’s ongoing support, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, when essential medical supplies and personnel were provided.
He underscored the importance of a collaborative approach to identifying support needs, which allows for customized assistance that effectively addresses the hospital’s specific requirements.
Tom Zhang, Councillor at the Chinese Embassy, emphasized the historical cooperation between The Gambia and China in the health sector, noting that this donation is part of a broader commitment reaffirmed during the recent Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) discussions.
Lamin Dampha, Permanent Secretary 2 at the Ministry of Health, also recognized the transformative impact of China’s support across various sectors in The Gambia, highlighting the significance of this partnership in furthering the country’s development initiatives.
Ultimately, the donation aims to enhance healthcare services at EFSTH and symbolizes the enduring friendship and cooperation between The Gambia and China, which dates back to the early days of Gambia’s independence.
