By Fatou Bojang
On Friday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) made a vital contribution to the National Public Health Laboratory of the Ministry of Health by donating essential biosafety equipment. This act represents a significant advancement in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and enhancing economic efficiency in health service delivery within the country.
Sheriff Jagne, the Director of the National Public Health Laboratory, highlighted the donation’s importance, stating, “The provision of these tools will empower our biomedical engineering unit.” He explained that the new equipment will enable the timely calibration and certification of more than 20 biosafety cabinets nationwide, which have previously experienced delays due to resource shortages.
Additionally, this donation is part of a larger initiative to bolster public health systems in The Gambia in alignment with international health regulations. The collaboration seeks to develop local capacity for biosafety and biosecurity, ensuring a more resilient public health response to future challenges.
Dr. Bumi Negedu Momoh from the UK Health Security Agency expressed optimism regarding this initiative, emphasizing that it will empower the National Public Health Laboratories to independently maintain their biosafety cabinet certification capabilities and enhance laboratory services nationwide. “This strategic investment not only improves operational efficiency but also positions The Gambia as a potential regional leader in laboratory safety and public health,” she remarked.
“The economic impact of this donation is substantial, as it diminishes reliance on external service providers for equipment certification.” Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Lamin Samateh underscored that training in-house biomedical engineers will result in significant cost savings over time. “By equipping in-house biomedical engineers to certify MSCs, institutions can reduce their dependence on external providers… routine certifications and emergency interventions can be conducted swiftly,” he noted.
This donation signifies a vital partnership between the UK and The Gambia to establish a healthier, more capable healthcare system while lowering long-term operational costs.
The ceremony occurred at the Central Medical Store Complex in Kotu, where health officials celebrated the contribution, including specialized tools essential for certifying and maintaining biosafety cabinets. These cabinets are critical for ensuring laboratory safety and safeguarding personnel from hazardous pathogens.
