The People’s Republic of China has deployed a new team of 10 specialist medical professionals to The Gambia as part of its long-standing medical cooperation programme, reinforcing efforts to improve healthcare delivery following the inauguration of the country’s new Farato health facility.
The specialists, who arrived in Banjul on Thursday night, form the 24th Chinese medical mission to The Gambia. They were received at the airport by officials from the Ministry of Health and representatives of the Chinese Embassy.
Their arrival comes at a significant time for the country’s health sector, just days after President Adama Barrow officially inaugurated the modern Farato hospital, a facility expected to expand access to specialised healthcare services across the country.
Speaking during the reception ceremony, the Second Secretary at the Chinese Embassy, Shian Sun, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector.
“Health cooperation remains one of the most important pillars of the relationship between China and The Gambia. We are confident that the Chinese medical team will continue to work closely with their Gambian counterparts to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of the Gambian people,” Sun said.
The newly arrived team comprises specialists in key medical disciplines selected to address priority areas within Gambia’s healthcare system. During their one-year assignment, they will provide specialist clinical services, perform complex surgical procedures, support community outreach programmes, promote public health education, strengthen maternal and child healthcare, and contribute to malaria prevention and control initiatives.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Government of The Gambia, Director of Health Services Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi described the deployment as a timely boost for the country’s healthcare ambitions.
“The President has just inaugurated the Farato facility, and today we are receiving this team of highly qualified medical specialists,” Dr. Nyassi said. “They are experts in their respective fields and will significantly strengthen our efforts to achieve our national health goals.”
Dr. Nyassi explained that although the specialists will be stationed at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), they will play a central role in supporting operations at the newly commissioned Farato hospital, which falls under the management of the country’s main referral hospital.
He noted that the Chinese experts will work alongside Gambian doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve specialist services, transfer knowledge and skills, and help maximise the potential of the new facility.
The Director of Health Services also expressed the government’s appreciation to the People’s Republic of China for its continued support across multiple sectors, particularly healthcare, describing the partnership as one that continues to deliver tangible benefits for the Gambian people.
China has maintained a medical assistance programme in The Gambia for decades, regularly dispatching specialist medical teams that provide clinical care, professional training and technical support to strengthen the country’s health system.
The arrival of the 24th medical mission further underscores the enduring cooperation between the two countries as The Gambia continues its efforts to expand access to quality healthcare services.
