Banjul, 1^st December 2025 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has handed over two fully-equipped ambulances and oxygen concentrators to the Ministry of Health (MoH), boosting The Gambia’s capacity to provide timely emergency referrals and lifesaving care.

The donation, valued at approximately USD 200,000 (about GMD 15 million), was presented during a ceremony attended by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh; the WHO Representative, Dr Nathan Bakyaita; senior MoH officials; and frontline health workers.

The support includes:

2 fully equipped ambulances

20 oxygen cylinders

20 oxygen regulators

10 oxygen concentrators

10 oxygen concentrators spare parts, and accessories

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Health described the donation as timely, emphasizing that the Central River Region (CRR) in particular needs improved transport for emergency referrals. The Minister confirmed that one of the ambulances will be deployed immediately to CRR, ensuring quicker transfers for critically-ill patients, pregnant women and children in hard-to-reach communities.

“This support comes at a time when our referral system needs reinforcement. We welcome these ambulances and oxygen concentrators will directly save lives, especially in regions that face transport and access challenges,” said the Honourable Minister of Health.

WHO Representative Dr Nathan Bakyaita highlighted the human impact behind the donation: 

“These ambulances and oxygen supplies are potential life-saving equipment, that bring care to people when every second counts. WHO remains steadfast in supporting the Government of The Gambia to build a resilient, responsive and people-centered health system”

“Our health workers have always had the skills, but too often they lacked the wheels. Today, we are giving them those wheels and renewing our collective promise that no Gambian should lose their life because help arrived too late,” said Dr Nathan Bakyaita, WHO Representative to The Gambia.

Reliable access to transport and oxygen therapy are fundamental pillars of emergency and critical care. Delays in transferring a mother experiencing childbirth complications, or a child struggling to breathe due to severe pneumonia, can have irreversible consequences. Strengthening these services helps reduce preventable deaths and ensures equitable access to lifesaving interventions.

The handover underscores the partnership between WHO and the Ministry of Health as they work together to advance emergency preparedness and strengthen the referral system across the country. 

The immediate deployment of an ambulance to CRR signals a targeted approach to reducing regional disparities in access to emergency services.

WHO remains committed to ensuring that every person in The Gambia can access timely, safe, and quality health services regardless of wherever they live.

For further information, contact:
World Health Organization — The Gambia Country Office
Email: whogambia [at] who.int (whogambia[at]who[dot]int)