In a heartfelt commitment to improving healthcare access, philanthropist and CEO of the Vision Development Foundation (VDF), Momodou Turoo Darboe, officially launched a life-saving surgical camp in Essau on Saturday. Partnering with the Dr. Alagie Manneh International Charitable Surgical Foundation (AMISURG Foundation), the initiative is set to provide free surgeries to 100 patients, addressing The Gambia’s growing surgical backlog.
The camp is funded by Darboe’s generous D400,000 donation to AMISURG, marking his third collaboration with the foundation. Previous camps sponsored by Darboe have successfully provided critical operations to 181 patients, transforming lives and easing the burden on the country’s healthcare system. Today’s event in Essau underscores Darboe’s ongoing mission to support underprivileged communities unable to afford costly surgical procedures.
Speaking at the launch, Darboe reaffirmed his dedication to the cause, stating, “No one should suffer because they cannot afford life-saving treatment. We will continue to stand with the unprivileged.” He also announced plans for the next surgical camp at Farafenni General Hospital, signaling an expansion of VDF’s efforts to reach more communities across The Gambia.
The event was met with widespread gratitude from the Essau community. The Alkalo (village head) and district chief publicly praised Darboe’s compassion, describing his intervention as a “lifeline” for those in need. Patients awaiting surgery echoed this sentiment, expressing profound appreciation for the opportunity to receive care that would otherwise be out of reach. For many, the cost of surgery—ranging from D50,000 to D70,000—is an insurmountable barrier, making Darboe’s support a critical intervention.
Dr. Alagie Manneh, founder of AMISURG, highlighted the transformative impact of the partnership. “This camp is a testament to the power of philanthropy,” he said. “Momodou Turoo Darboe’s commitment is changing lives and addressing the long waiting lists at provincial hospitals.” AMISURG was established to provide free surgical services, alleviating the strain on public healthcare facilities and ensuring access to essential medical care.
Mr. Fofana, VDF’s Public Relations Officer, expressed satisfaction with the camp’s smooth execution. He emphasized that the foundation’s primary goal is to complement government efforts in national development by improving the health and well-being of Gambians. “We are here to support the unprivileged and contribute to a healthier nation,” Fofana stated.
The Essau surgical camp is expected to run smoothly, with medical teams working tirelessly to perform the scheduled operations. Beneficiaries, many of whom have waited months or even years for surgery, expressed hope and relief, crediting Darboe’s generosity for giving them a second chance at life.
Darboe’s continued efforts through VDF and AMISURG are a beacon of hope for The Gambia’s most vulnerable. As the surgical camp progresses, it stands as a powerful reminder of the impact of compassionate leadership and collective action in addressing critical healthcare challenges.
