By Sirrah Touray
Residents of Banjul received free health screening and medication on Monday during a community outreach in Tabakoro, Banjul North. The event was organised by the Banjul City Council in collaboration with the Cuban Embassy and the Cuban Medical Brigade in The Gambia. It was the second edition of the programme; a similar screening was held last year.
The outreach, open to all city residents, targeted diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. Organisers said individuals requiring further care will be referred to hospital and followed up by the Cuban medical team.
Abdoulie Krubally, Youth Councillor for Banjul City Council, opened the event. He said the council convened the screening to increase access to essential preventive services. “This is the second edition of the screening,” Krubally said. “Last year we partnered with Innovarex; this year we partnered with the Cuban community, with support from the Cuban ambassador and the head of the Cuban medical team in The Gambia.”
Krubally emphasised that the screening served all of Banjul, not only Banjul North, and addressed the cost barrier many residents face. He thanked the media and attendees and noted he was representing the ward councillor, who was unable to attend.
Modou Lamin Bah, National Assembly member for Banjul North, said the outreach supports efforts to achieve universal health coverage by strengthening primary health care. “Today we are providing free preventive health screening and medication for the people of Banjul,” Bah said. “The screening focuses on diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. Those identified as needing further care will be referred to hospital, and the Cuban medical team will provide follow-up.”
Carmelina Ramirez, Cuban Ambassador to The Gambia, highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the two countries. “The Cuban and Gambian people have been close for many years. Cuba’s Medical Brigade has served in The Gambia for 30 years, bringing health services to the Gambian people,” she said.
Ramirez said the outreach responded to a request from Banjul’s authorities and reflected the brigade’s ongoing commitment to community health. “This is the first visit to this community, but it will not be the last. We will continue to help according to our resources, in cooperation with the Gambian government and people,” she said. She added that the visit also marked the start of Cuba’s National Liberation Day commemoration. “We are commemorating by bringing health to the people. Long live Cuban–Gambian friendship.”
