In a remarkable show of support for Gambia’s healthcare system, The Cornerstone Group, in collaboration with U.S.-based humanitarian organization MAP International, has donated medical supplies worth over one million dollars to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH). This is the largest donation of its kind the hospital has received in recent memory.
The official handover took place during a special ceremony on the hospital grounds, attended by government officials, healthcare workers, the U.S. Ambassador, and representatives from both organizations. The donated items include life-saving essentials such as antibiotics, surgical tools, IV fluids, pain medications, PPE, and diagnostic equipment.
Alagie Sanyang, Chairman and Founder of The Cornerstone Group, described the donation as part of a broader commitment to sustainable development and community health.
> “By strengthening healthcare systems, we’re investing in the future of African communities. This partnership with MAP International is about bringing hope, health, and healing where it’s needed most,” Sanyang said.
The hospital’s management welcomed the donation with gratitude and relief. Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director at EFSTH, said the supplies would make a real difference in patient care and working conditions for staff.
> “This level of support is unprecedented for us. It will directly improve patient outcomes and ease pressure on our already stretched resources,” he noted.
Beyond this recent donation, The Cornerstone Group has been actively involved in various healthcare improvement projects in the Gambia. Ms. Oley Faal, Executive Director of The Cornerstone Group Foundation, highlighted some of these efforts, including the full renovation of the hospital’s pediatric surgical unit and the installation of solar power in its main operating theatre. The group has also funded over 20 solar-powered boreholes across the country to support clean water access.
The organization reaffirmed its dedication to expanding impactful partnerships in health, education, and infrastructure throughout the continent.
> “Our work is driven by the belief that access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege but a right,” Faal said.
As Gambia continues to face challenges in its health sector, this generous donation is a timely and powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration and shared vision.
