By Sainabou Sambou
The United Kingdom has taken a significant step in supporting The Gambia’s public health infrastructure by donating critical Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) test equipment to the Ministry of Health. The handover ceremony, held at the Central Medical Store in Kotu, was attended by key officials and marks a milestone in enhancing biosafety and biosecurity across the country’s laboratory network.
The donation, facilitated through the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), includes specialized tools to strengthen The Gambia’s National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) capabilities.
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Lamin Samateh, speaking at the event, praised the UK government for its ongoing support. “Biological Safety Cabinets are vital for maintaining sterile environments and preventing contamination in biomedical research,” he said. “This equipment will empower our in-house biomedical engineers to certify microbiological safety cabinets locally, reducing costs and dependency on external providers.”
The initiative stems from a 2023 UKHSA assessment of the NPHL, which pinpointed gaps in biosafety training, quality management, and certification processes. Dr. Bunmi Negedu Momoh, representing UKHSA’s International Health Regulations Strengthening Project (IHR-SP), underscored the UK’s commitment to bolstering public health systems in the Gambia and West Africa.
“This donation is part of a broader program that includes funding annual certification fees and providing tools for maintenance,” Dr. Momoh explained. “However, sustainability will depend on continued investment in training and resources”
For Sheriffo Jagne, Director of the NPHL, the donation is a game-changer. “This is a historic moment,” he said. “With over 20 biosafety cabinets in use nationwide, our Biomedical Engineering Unit can now certify and maintain them in-house, aligning with international standards.” Previously, The Gambia relied on costly external partners for these services, a burden this donation aims to alleviate.
The partnership also includes plans to send three Gambian biomedical engineers to the UK for specialized BSC testing and certification training. They will return equipped to uphold global safety standards independently upon completion, further solidifying the country’s laboratory system.
The move is expected to yield significant cost savings, ensure timely equipment maintenance, and reinforce The Gambia’s capacity to respond to public health challenges.
