The Governor of the North Bank Region, Alhaji Edward Seckan, has applauded the efforts of Professor St John and wife of Bochum, Germany, for their contribution to the health care sector in Salikene, Baddibu, North Bank Region.

Governor Seckan used the opportunity to underscore the importance government attaches to the provision of quality health care service. He thanked the professor and his wife for their efforts to complement the government's efforts towards the attainment of health care for all at the grassroots level.

He also noted that the government recognizes the efforts of the professor to create a conducive working environment for health delivery staff. The governor was speaking during a visit the couple made to the family of the late Dr Momodou Lamin Saho, to convey their condolence message and acknowledging the tremendous assistance he had rendered to humanity.

Speaking at the occasion, Baba Jeng, regional health officer for North Bank East, on behalf of the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare and the 33 communities of Central Baddibu District, commended Professor St John and wife for their immense contribution to the health sector, particularly in Salikene. He used the opportunity to appeal to the donors to consider assisting the health centre with laboratory equipment and to provide them with  essential drugs to help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity within the catchment area.

Mr Jeng hailed the efforts of the centre's nurses for their outstanding performance. The chairman of Kerewan Area Council, Alhaji Lamin Ceesay, hailed President Jammeh for his personal intervention in the health sector, and for creating an enabling environment for individuals and philanthropic organizations to participate effectively in the socio-economic well-being of the people.

He noted that as a council, it is mandatory upon them to support any organization and individual working to enhance the living status of the taxpayers. He informed the gathering that the council had been contributing fuel to facilitate the movement of nurses to conduct their weekly antenatal clinics at the grassroots level. The chairman urged the professor and wife to consider developing the capacity of nurses on the usage of any equipment to be given to the health facility in the near feature.  

The chief of Central Baddibu District, Momodou Kendo Dibba, and Mamadou Bintou Dibba, thanked Professor Dr St John and wife on behalf of their community.
The head chief disclosed that the health centre serves 33 communities with a population of 15,000.