Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) has taken delivery of medical supplies valued at over $12 million USD, marking the largest single health-related donation in the history of The Gambia.
The massive consignment, facilitated through a strategic partnership between the Cornerstone Foundation and MAP International, was officially handed over in a high-profile ceremony attended by President Adama Barrow, cabinet ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
A Commitment to National Health
Speaking at the ceremony, Oley Faal, Executive Director of the Cornerstone Foundation, characterized the donation as a “reaffirmation” of the organization’s dedication to the Gambian people.
“When the private sector, international partners, and the government align, we can change lives at scale,” Faal stated. She emphasized that the Foundation’s work is rooted in the philosophy of its founder and CEO, Alagie Sanyang, who remains dedicated to addressing the healthcare challenges facing Gambian families despite his international business success.
“True success is not measured by what you acquire, but by what you are able to give back,” Faal added, quoting the Chairman’s vision.
The $12 million shipment follows a string of previous interventions by Cornerstone at the nation’s premier teaching hospital, including the installation of a solar power system for the main operating theater and the renovation and sponsorship of the pediatric surgical unit and a prior donation of $1 million USD in essential medicines.
President Barrow Hails “Unprecedented” Support
President Adama Barrow described the gesture as a historic milestone for the country’s health sector, praising the patriotism behind the donation.
“This reflects extreme generosity and a deep commitment to the welfare of the Gambian people,” the president remarked. He noted that the intervention would significantly improve the working environment for medical professionals, pointing out that surgeons can now operate without the fear of power interruptions thanks to the Foundation’s previous solar projects.
President Barrow further utilized the platform to call for increased private-sector involvement in national development. “Nation-building is a collective responsibility,” he said. “There is no shortcut; it requires hard work and collaboration.”
Strengthening the Healthcare Value Chain
The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, lauded the partnership as “reliable and responsive,” noting that the donation was specifically tailored to the hospital’s expressed needs.
“This is the second time in a single year that Cornerstone has supported our health sector in a significant way,” Dr. Samateh said. “You have not simply given aid; you have invested in the sustainability of our premier teaching hospital.”
The Ministry confirmed that the supplies would be immediately deployed to reduce chronic shortages and ease the financial burden on patients who often struggle to afford life-saving medications.
The partnership with MAP International, a global health organization, was instrumental in logistics and procurement, ensuring that the high-value supplies reached the Gambian public health system efficiently.
