By Madi S. Njie
Banjul, The Gambia — October 11, 2025:
Rising concerns over inadequate healthcare services and a shortage of trained medical professionals in rural parts of The Gambia were brought to light during the Safe Motherhood and Hemophilia Foundation’s Family Day event held at the Badala Park Hotel.
The event, organized to raise awareness about hemophilia, brought together patients, families, and healthcare stakeholders who discussed the numerous challenges faced by those living with the rare bleeding disorder, particularly in remote areas such as Farafenni, Bansang, and other rural communities across the country, including parts of the Greater Banjul Area.
The tragic death of a hemophilia patient from Farafenni underscored the urgency of the issue. The patient’s mother blamed the loss on inadequate medical attention, explaining that her daughter required specialized care from a hematologist rather than a general surgical procedure. Another parent, Ebrima Top from the Kudang suburbs, also lamented the loss of his child to the same condition.
“There is a clear shortage of healthcare personnel in these communities,” a foundation representative said, calling on government and health authorities to address the gaps in medical expertise and infrastructure.
Parents of hemophilia patients in rural regions voiced frustration over the lack of medical equipment and limited access to treatment. Currently, the only functional machine for hemophilia testing is located in Banjul, forcing patients to travel long distances for diagnosis and medication.
“Access to healthcare is extremely limited, and it’s putting lives at risk,” one parent noted, adding that many families struggle financially and emotionally to manage the disorder.
Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that leads to prolonged bleeding due to insufficient clotting factors in the blood. Managing the condition requires regular clotting factor replacement therapy — a treatment that remains largely unavailable in rural areas.
Mr. Vandy Jayah, President of the Safe Motherhood and Hemophilia Foundation, highlighted ongoing efforts to improve care for hemophilia patients.
“We’re developing a patient ID system to help healthcare providers better manage cases and ensure timely treatment,” he explained.
The Foundation has also launched a public awareness campaign to dispel misconceptions about hemophilia in The Gambia. Due to limited training, many healthcare workers still fail to identify the condition correctly, often resulting in misdiagnosis or neglect.
“Hemophilia is real, and people are living with it,” Mr. Jayah emphasized.
Discussions at the event also focused on improving access to medication and service delivery through collaboration with international partners. However, Mr. Jayah admitted that “there is still a long way to go” and called for better documentation and grassroots involvement to address the challenges more effectively.
As part of the awareness activities, the Foundation also organized a Family Fun Day on October 11, giving children with hemophilia the chance to socialize in a safe and supportive environment.
Josephine Touray, Secretary General of the Foundation, stressed the importance of such gatherings in reducing stigma and offering support to families. She also noted significant progress in healthcare access. Previously, patients had to travel to Senegal for testing and treatment, but through the Foundation’s advocacy, a hemophilia testing laboratory has now been established in Banjul, providing local treatment options.
Touray further explained that the Foundation was established by Mr. Jayah after he witnessed a severe bleeding incident involving a patient — an experience that inspired him to take action to improve hemophilia care in the country.
The Foundation continues to collaborate closely with the Gambian government to enhance the management and storage of medical supplies and medication, helping ensure free access to healthcare for hemophilia patients.
In her closing remarks, Touray reminded caregivers and patients of the importance of regular medical check-ups, ideally monthly visits with hematologists, and the need to inform doctors of their condition before undergoing any medical procedure.
Despite notable progress, she acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly in rural communities where access to trained specialists and treatment remains scarce.
Mr. Jayah concluded by explaining that hemophilia is an inherited condition, passed genetically from parents to their children.
“If the father carries the disease, it can be transmitted to the mother, and if the mother possesses it, it can be inherited by the daughter,” he explained.
The Safe Motherhood and Hemophilia Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare for hemophilia patients across The Gambia and ensuring that no one is left behind due to geography or lack of awareness.
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