An assortment of equipment, including laptops, medicines, laboratory and testing kits, among other medical essentials, were donated to the Gambia’s main referral hospital, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), on Monday, 10th February 2025.
The materials were donated by Sunu Reew Medical Mission in partnership with the Zakat Foundation of America and the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), as of their regular periodic support to the Gambian health sector.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony held at the hospital in Banjul, Ms Victoria Lissong Richards-Ohwotu, founder of Sunu Reew Medical Mission, said the donation was a result of an initial agreement between her organisation and EFSTH.
“Sunu Reew is committed to contributing to Gambia’s health sector by bringing in the necessary equipment whenever possible to ensure that quality medical attention is given to every patient,” she said.
Ms Richards-Ohwotu further explained that the formation of Sunu Reew was inspired by her mother, whose health condition had deteriorated due to a lack of necessary equipment and expertise to properly diagnose her.
“Since then, I committed myself to supporting the health sector by bringing doctors from the United States of America to The Gambia to attend to patients free of charge. All the doctors come to the Gambia voluntarily and serve at no cost to the patients,” she explained.
The Gambian Ambassador to the U.S., Momodou Lamin Bah, who graced the handing-over of medical equipment, commended Sunu Reew Medical Mission for their interventions, noting that the embassy has been fully aware and duly informed about the Mission’s work.
While applauding Sunu Reew’s founder and her team, Ambassador Bah affirmed that the embassy has always been participating in the organisation’s programmes in the health sector since its formation.
Also speaking on the occasion, Dr Cherno S. Jallow, Deputy Chief Medical Director of EFSTH who also doubles as the Head of Department of Surgery, expressed gratitude to the donors while calling for continuous support and collaboration with the hospital.
“The donated equipment are very valuable to the hospital; they will make our job easier,” he affirmed. Dr Jallow further noted that Sunu Reew has become a household name in the health sector because of its “immense contribution” to the sector.
Dr Charles Roberts, Senior Consultant and General Surgeon at EFSTH, also applauded the donors for what he described as a timely donation, saying the equipment would be put to good use for the benefit of the patients.
EFSTH is a tertiary referral hospital in Banjul and the largest hospital in The Gambia.
