By Olimatou Coker & Saidou Baldeh
Ida Bass Kidney Foundation (IBKF), a UK-based diaspora organization has on Tuesday donated 1.6 million face masks to 17 different institutions in The Gambia, worth over 34 million dalasis at a handing over ceremony held at Central Medical Store in Kotu.
Institutions donated include MoBSE, EFSTH, numerous hospitals, clinics, and other private institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the CEO of the Foundation, Alagie Jallow said it is with immense pride that IBKF presents face masks to compatriots in The Gambia.
He said the face masks cost over 34 million dalasis.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with all the victims of this dreaded coronavirus pandemic. I echo the government’s advice and guidance that we must continue to take the required precautions and preventions. Covid-19 is real and its impact is devastating to public health and socioeconomic life,” he stated.
For his part, Louise Moses Mendy, permanent secretary at MoBSE, thanked Ida Bass Kidney Foundation for such a wonderful donation and support to the educational sector during these trying times to help children learn efficiently during the crisis.
PS Mendy assured the donors that the face masks will be used for their rightful purpose and will also be distributed to all the schools in the country.
Lamin Dampha, deputy permanent secretary at MoH, said these masks will go a long way in complementing government’s efforts in fighting against this deadly virus in The Gambia.
DPS Dampha called on other organizations and philanthropists to emulate IBKF by supporting the health sector of The Gambia.
