Chinese Ambassador to the Gambia, President Adama Barrow & Dr. Ahmed Lamin Samateh
By Buba Gagigo
The People’s Republic of China has extended a generous donation to The Gambia, comprising rice valued at D98.65 million and medical supplies worth D72 million, including four medicalized ambulances and assorted materials. This gesture is aimed at bolstering food security and strengthening the country’s healthcare sector.
“The Government of The Gambia received rice worth 10 Million RMB Yuan, equivalent to 98.65 Million Dalasis from the government of the People’s Republic of China through its Development Assistance Programme, China Aid. The Gambia is among the African countries benefiting from this support, which is part of the People’s Republic of China’s South-South Cooperation Assistance aimed at supporting developing countries. The annual food donation is distributed to the needy within communities in the country,” the government said.
In addition to the rice donation, the Chinese government provided medical supplies valued at one million USD (D72 million). These include four fully equipped ambulances and various medical materials for the Ministry of Health.
Acknowledging the donations, President Adama Barrow expressed gratitude to the Chinese government, emphasizing that the aid will significantly contribute to achieving universal health coverage.
“President Adama Barrow said the donations would go a long way in accelerating the Government’s efforts towards universal health coverage. During the ceremony, The Gambia and the People’s Republic of China reiterated commitments to strengthening diplomatic relations, which will be a win-win situation for both countries,” the government announced.
Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Liu Jin, praised President Barrow for fostering stronger relations between the two nations. He assured that China would continue to support The Gambia’s health sector by sending more health professionals and encouraged young Gambians to participate in exchange programs to deepen understanding and strengthen bilateral ties.
The handover ceremony was attended by key officials, including Health Minister Dr. Amadou Lamin Samateh, and Agriculture Minister Dr. Demba Sabally, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President Mod. K. Ceesay, Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, and other senior government representatives.