Banjul, The Gambia, 1st September 2015 - The United Nations System in The Gambia has once again extended its support to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOH&SW) in the fight against  the dreadful Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

At a colorful ceremony held on Tuesday 18th August 2015, the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and UNDP Country Representative, Mrs. Ade Mamonyane Lekoetje  led a UN  team comprising  Mrs. Victoria Ginja - WFP Representative and Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses - WHO Representative to  present different  materials to the MOH&SW.

In her statement, the RC described the event as a demonstration of the strong partnership that exists between the UN and the Government of the Gambia in complementing national health and development goals. She highlighted that when Ebola started over a year ago, Gambia was one of the first countries to start its readiness and preparedness even though the country was not and is not affected by Ebola. Hence, our two institutions have since been working closely together in ensuring that the Gambia remains Ebola free.  

“Today’s event, according to the UN Resident Coordinator, is to present to the Government of the Gambia through MOHSW,  Personal Protective Gears and Equipment (specifically donated by WFP and UNDP) in pursuit of our collective goal  of keeping the country free from Ebola”, Mrs. Ade Mamonyane Lekoetje  remarked. She also seized the opportunity to thank the Hon. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Government and people of the Gambia for the collaborative work they are doing together in support of national development goals.

Receiving the donated items, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Omar Sey extended Government’s  appreciation through his Ministry to the UN Family for not only providing funds but the necessary technical support in ensuring  that the country has a comprehensive national EVD Preparedness and Response Plan and a functional National EVD Task Force. “This has paid dividend as reflected in the gains registered so far today” he remarked.

He noted that UN’s role in preventing Ebola from reaching the country remains key as the country strives to implement EVD plan Hon. Sey assured the UN that all the resources will get to right place, the right people at the right time.

He said  that the Government of The Gambia recognizes UN’s contribution as a single entity but acknowledged the technical guidance provided by WHO and complemented by other UN agencies.

He finally tasked the logistics team to be steadfast in ensuring that the donated materials reach the beneficiaries.

Other speakers included Mrs. Ginja of WFP, Mrs. Izumi of UNDP and Mr. Markieu Kaira Janneh of the National Task Force (Logistics) who made similar remarks.

The donated items which  included 20 motor-bikes, 16 computers, printers and a photocopier to strengthen surveillance around the border posts was funded by the Japanese Embassy in Dakar. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comprised of gloves, aprons, disposable bags, duffle bag, coverall and print out of instruction for use of Chlorhexidine.

In attendance were heads of UN agencies, senior health personnel and the media fraternity.

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For more information, please contact:

Mr. Momodou Gassama, Health Promotion Officer, gassamam [at] gm.afro.who.int, (+220) 4462286

Mr. George. Williams, Health Information Assistant, williamsg [at] gm.afro.who.int (+220) 4462284