Kanifing General Hospital has launched a groundbreaking mobile surgical facility, known as a “Smart Pod,” to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare in The Gambia. This project, led by Horizons Trust Gambia in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and supported by the Trini & OC Mendenhall Foundation, aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality by offering safer delivery options.
The inauguration was attended by high-profile guests, including the Minister of Health, the chairman of the Trini & OC Mendenhall Foundation, and other key stakeholders.
Dr. Melville O. George, chairman of Horizons Trust Gambia, highlighted that over 90,000 mothers and babies have benefited from the organization’s infection control efforts. The program has supplied thousands of cleaning materials to healthcare facilities, helping improve conditions for nearly half of Gambia’s population. Additionally, 515 healthcare workers have been trained in sepsis prevention, and 100 have received specialized training in emergency obstetrics and neonatal care.
Kanifing General Hospital’s CEO, Basiru Drammeh, emphasized that the Smart Pod launch marks a significant leap forward. With a service area of over 600,000 people, the hospital handles around 6,000 births each year under the Safer Delivery Project. Drammeh noted that over 100 staff members have been trained in critical skills to further enhance healthcare quality.
Health Minister Ahmadou Lamin Samateh praised the initiative, stating that the new facilities ensure quicker access to essential surgeries, alleviating delays for urgent cases. This advancement is expected to notably reduce maternal and child mortality over the coming years.
