The World Health Organisation (WHO) country office in Banjul,  through the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare last Thursday presented a cheque of D1,000,800 (one million and eight hundred dalasis) to the AFPRC General Hospital in Farafenni at a ceremony held at the office of the DoSH in Banjul.

The donated money is meant to finance the installation of an overhead water storage tank to enhance water distribution to all parts of the hospital.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Sulayman Samba, Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare said WHO has been a key technical and financial partner in the  government's health delivery system. Mr Samba reiterated that the provision of safe water supply is a perennial problem, adding that the WHO has demonstrated their interest in the country's health over the years.

Dr Nestor Shivuti, the WHO Country Representative, in presenting the cheque to Sulayman Samba, said the AFPRC hospital has been one of their closest partners since its inception. He added that his organisation recognises the tremendous contributions the APFRC hospital is making to improve the health of the people in the North Bank Region. He said it is as a result of this that the WHO earlier purchased a vehicle for the hospital staff and provided the WHO Blue Trunk Library.

Commenting on the  importance of water, Dr Nestor Shivuti said water is crucial for a hospital like the AFPRC hospital, which is the major referral facility in NBR and beyond. He noted that the lack of a good water system has a ripple effect on its function.

Dr Shivuti added that WHO has been following the water supply situation at the AFPRC hospital with keen interest and "that is why the WHO responded to the request forwarded by the hospital management to the tune of D1,000,800 in order to enhance water storage and distribution to all parts of the hospital." He added that the WHO has recently discussed their new Country Cooperation Strategy for the Gambia which is meant to improve water supply and environmental sanitation.