By Ousman G. Darboe
BRUFUT โLivity of Zion, a United Kingdom-based registered charity, in collaboration with Autism Society Gambia, on Monday, 9th November 2026, commenced a general health screening programme for children with special needs, including children living with asthma, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other conditions.
The team began its screening activities in Sanyang village, where they attended to fifteen children. Later on the same day, the team headed to Brufut where they conducted similar screening activities. This time, they attended to not only children but also adults who are in need of medical assistance. In Brufut, four people were screened.
According to Rod Hawes, Chairman of Autism Society Gambia, the screening programme, which started on Monday, will continue until Friday, 13th November 2026.
Hawes disclosed that the team intends to screen 40 people per day, 20 in the morning and another 20 in the afternoon.
He said the team is expected to be at Brikama Health Centre on Tuesday morning, where they will conduct similar screening activities.
Gass MM Jarra, founder of Autism Society Gambia, explained that the Society started ten years ago when a group of friends and colleagues from different professions came together to raise awareness about autism in The Gambia, paving the way for the development of support mechanisms and other activities for families in need of support.
Jarra revealed that her organisation is self-funded, providing resources for its activities through contributions from its members.
โEverything we do is self-funded, but we also have support from organisations and institutions as well. When we have events with sponsorship, we partner with media houses like Capital FM, The Fatu Network, QTV, newspapers and GRTS and other media outlets,โ Jarra said.
She also highlighted her partnership with other organisations both within and outside The Gambia, including Livity of Zion, a UK-based registered charity that supports vulnerable groups in Africa.
The organisation has professional health personnel who are currently working with Autism Society Gambia to ensure the success of the activities.
Parents who accompanied their children expressed appreciation and gratitude to Autism Society Gambia. They expressed optimism about their childrenโs health and a positive impact on their wellbeing.
On Wednesday, the team will be at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul.
