By Olimatou Coker
Big Dreams Inc. and International Medical and Dental Relief IMR, both of the U.S, are billed to arrive in Gambia – September 14, to provide free medical services to the populace.
They will be collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to reach communities from 16 – 22 September.
The ministry earlier this year signed a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) with the IMR, a registered medical organisation with NGO status, based in the United States and Big Dreams Inc. BDI, for the health initiative.
The US organisations are expected to bring along licensed team of medical and dental professionals including health educators to The Gambia. They will also provide health education, The Standard can reveal.
Sika, Pakau and Medina Sedia villages in Northern Gambia, are some of the communities the team will operate in, including Foni Bondali on September 21, and Sanyang in Kombo South – September 20, respectively.
Amy Jordheim, chairperson of IMR medical advisory board, earlier visited the country at the invitation of health officials, to discuss the partnership.
“We will also provide community health education so that people are empowered to provide for their own health,” the organisers said in a statement.
They would place special focus on treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and partner with local organisations to provide mass screenings and vaccination and education.
It is also hoped they partner community leaders, and local teachers to bring about sustainable improvement of health at community levels.
Big Dreams Inc. said it is an innovative, creative, and cutting edge organisation committed to creating educational opportunities for children and youth in the United States and the Republic of The Gambia, to live healthier lifestyles, and eventually contribute to an improved quality of life for youth and families.
