Soroptimist International, a worldwide organisation for women in management professions, and campaigners for the empowerment of women through advocation and action, yesterday donated materials to the female Surgical Ward of the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) at a ceremony held at the Hospital grounds in Banjul.

The materials comprised of blood pressure machines, a glucose meter for sugar testing, bed spreads and mosquito nets.

Presenting the items, Mrs Beatrice Promt, the outgoing President of Soroptimist International, said this donation is regularly conducted which is a tradition of Soroptimist to always respond to the call of the  RVTH.

She then observed that this year's presentation coincided with the World Health Day celebrations, making it very significant and unique. She thanked the entire management and staff of RVTH especially the nurses at the female Surgical Ward, for their excellent upkeep of the ward.

For his part, Momodou Jallow of the matron departmental  at the RVTH who received the items on behalf of the ward, saluted Soroptimist International for always answering to their call and at a very timely moment too.

Mrs Jane Clement, the Public Relations Officer of Soroptimist International also commended the nurses at the ward for their excellent upkeep of the ward. She assured them that Soroptimist International is always dedicated to the advancement of women's course and the promotion of human rights, equality, development and peace building at all levels of society.

Mrs Rafat Aduke Akaje, the head of the ward who is also part of the technical assistance team of doctors and nurses from Nigeria, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the RVTH.

The ceremony was attended by Rossana Ndow Jallow, Ida Jallow , Soroptimist designer, nurses and Red Cross volunteers working at ward.

It could be recalled that Soroptimist International has been involved in charity and women advancement activities since 1989 when they started sponsoring the female surgical ward of the RVTH. They are also major sponsors in the donation of bednets to rural communities in the  fight against Malaria and the sponsorship of women in vegetable gardening scheme among other activities.