UNFPA The Gambia on March 7th 2025 handed over a consignment of medical equipment and supplies to the Ministry of Health, marking the conclusion of the China Aid Project in the country. The event, held at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu, highlighted the impact of the initiative in strengthening healthcare services, particularly in sexual and reproductive health.
Funded by the Chinese Government with a budget of $620,000, the China Aid Project was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of maternal and reproductive health services while protecting frontline healthcare workers. Through this initiative, vital medical supplies were provided to health facilities across the country, benefitting thousands of women and healthcare professionals.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNFPA The Gambia Representative Ndeye Rose Sarr emphasized the project's contribution to improving healthcare services.
The equipment handed over today includes 60 delivery beds, five anesthetic machines, 10 oxygen concentrators, and 1,000 dignity kits. Overall, the project facilitated the procurement of 100 delivery beds, 400,000 pairs of gloves, PPEs, six anesthetic machines, 20 oxygen concentrators, 10 ultrasound machines, and 2,000 dignity kits.
Over the course of its implementation, the project reached more than 50,000 women and young people with reproductive health services, provided antenatal care to 15,000 pregnant women, and supplied PPEs to 1,200 healthcare workers. It also supported the production of sanitary pads to enhance menstrual hygiene management for women and girls.
Receiving the equipment, the Ministry of Health, Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, expressed gratitude to UNFPA and the Chinese Government for their unwavering support in strengthening The Gambia’s health sector. The Chinese Ambassador to the Gambia HE Liu Jin lauded the partnership of China and UNFPA and assured of their continuous support.
As the China Aid Project officially comes to an end, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the gains made in improving maternal and reproductive healthcare services in The Gambia.
Media contact: Fatoumatta Cham, Program Analyst, Communications (fcham@unfpa.org)
