The Chinese Ambassador to the Gambia gives medical equipment, face masks and sewing machines on friday to the office of the First Lady of the Gambia, in their mandate to help fight against the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The given items include 10, 000medical face masks, 1,000 N95 respirator masks, 100 protective suits; 100 safety goggles, 79 infrared thermometer, and 15 sets of sewing machines.

During the presentation ceremony of these medical supplies and sewing machines to the Office of the First lady, The Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia H.E Ma Jianchun expressed delightfulness to the government and the people of The Gambia and their effort in fighting the coronavirus, thus, the support to the fight.

Jianchun further reaffirmed China’s willingness to continue to stand by The Gambia during this challenging times.

In addition to the consignment received from China, the Chinese Embassy in Banjul also included 15 sets of electronic sewing machines. As wearing face masks in public has now been made mandatory in The Gambia by Government, Ambassador Jianchun hopes that the additional sewing machines could, through the First Lady’s Office, show their country’s gesture in helping boost the production capacities of locally-made face masks. “This in return will further assist in protecting people’s lives and health,” he added.

The medical supplies will be distributed to frontline workers through the Gambian Association of Nurses and Midwives as well as vulnerable and at high-risk communities. Tanka-Tanka Psychiatric Hospital, the Children’s Shelter in Bakoteh and to People Living with HIV will also benefit.

Mr Yusupha Sanyang, the President of the Gambia Nurses and Midwives Association said with each donation to the health sector from the First Lady, Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, the work of Gambian nurses becomes easier, for which they are immensely grateful.

By: Awa Macalo