The second consignment of COVID -19 medical equipment from the Jack MA Foundation has been handed over to the government of The Gambia. Jack Ma Foundation is a Chinese charitable organization founded in 2014 by Jack Ma, Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group. The Foundation had earlier donated large quantity of medical equipment to the African continent, aimed to help in the fight against the Coronavirus.
This latest consignment was handed to the Ministry of Health at a ceremony held at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to the Gambia, Ma Jiachun, revealed that the medical equipment donated include 36 thermometers, 9,500 medical gloves, 3,800 protective face shields, 3790 protective clothing, 18,500 swabs extraction kits, 9,250 gloves and 2 ventilation machines.
The ambassador expressed conviction that the medical gears will complement government’s efforts in prevention, and treatment of COVID-19.
He stated that the right of life and the right to health are universally acknowledged as basic human rights.
Wanja Kaaia, Country Director, World Food Programme (WFP), said the medical supplies have reinforced the capacity of Gambia’s health system to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. He attested that the measures put in place by government to contain the spread of Coronavirus, signify its commitment to the welfare of its citizens.
She announced that World Food Programme, in collaboration with WHO and in partnership in African governments, will soon be establishing a long –haul regular cargo and passenger air transport service in Africa. This, the WFP country director said, will be part of a global initiative to support efforts to move cargo and humanitarian support swiftly and efficiently.
Dr Desta Trrumeh, WHO Representative in The Gambia, said COVID-19 is a reality and called on people to observe social distancing during this critical moment of the pandemic.
Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health, assured the donor that the medical supplies will be distributed to the health facilities and all the strategic locations in the country. He noted that the equipment will help front liners.
The COVID –19 responses, he pointed out, cannot be done by government alone; that it needs collective efforts.
The Minister took the opportunity to call on the public not to be complacent.
