President Barrow Oversees Landmark $12m Medical Supplies Donation to Transform The Gambia’s Health Sector. By Raymond Enoch
The Gambia has recorded a historic milestone in its health sector as His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Tuesday presided over the presentation of medical supplies valued at 12 million US dollars, donated by the Cornerstone Foundation in partnership with MAP International.
The intervention, widely described as the largest single health-related donation in the country’s history, is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) and other public health facilities nationwide.
Speaking at the official presentation ceremony, President Barrow described the donation as a transformational boost to the national health system. He expressed profound gratitude to the Cornerstone Foundation, MAP International, and the management of EFSTH for what he termed their patriotism, humanitarian commitment, and unwavering support for the Gambian people.
The President praised Dr. Mustapha Bittaye and frontline medical practitioners for their dedication and sacrifices, acknowledging the challenges faced by healthcare workers in the line of duty. He reassured them of his administration’s firm resolve to modernise medical infrastructure, improve access to essential equipment, and enhance working conditions within the health sector.
President Barrow further called on the private sector and development partners to emulate Cornerstone’s example, stressing that national development—particularly in critical sectors such as health—must be driven by strong public-private partnerships.
Chief Executive Director of the Cornerstone Foundation, Olley Faal, said the donation reflects the foundation’s commitment to giving back to society and saving lives. He emphasised that sustainable healthcare development can only be achieved through effective collaboration between government, private institutions, and international partners.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Yusupha Touray, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the donors and commended President Barrow for his consistent leadership and prioritisation of healthcare as a pillar of national development.
The $12 million donation builds on the Cornerstone Foundation’s growing footprint in The Gambia’s health sector. Earlier this year, the foundation donated over one million dalasis worth of medicines, supported the provision of solar power for EFSTH’s operating theatre, and contributed to the renovation of the Paediatric Surgical Unit—interventions that have already improved service delivery and patient outcomes.
Health stakeholders and observers say the latest donation will not only save lives but also enhance institutional capacity, boost staff morale, and reinforce public confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
The landmark intervention marks a new chapter in The Gambia’s health sector development and sets a strong benchmark for impactful humanitarian and development-driven partnerships.
