On Wednesday, US Ambassador to The Gambia, Sharon L Cromer, and Defense Minister Serign Modou Njie presided over the opening a new HIV/AIDS screening facility at the Fajara Barracks.
The new facility at the Fajara Military Barracks will boost The Gambia Armed Forces Medical Services HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme, supported by the United States Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme and Hands-on Care as implementing partners.
The event also saw the handing over of a brand new Toyota Pickup vehicle to the GAF HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme. The facility is expected to Accelerate and augment HIV services for the military, their family members, and civilians.
Sharon L Cromer, US Ambassador to The Gambia, and Retired Brigadier General Serign Modou Njie, Minister of Defense, welcomed the facility as a remarkable achievement in the country’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.
This facility is the second after the one at Yundum Barracks. Dr. Pa Saikou Bojang, Director of Hands-on Care, and Navy Captain, Sambou Barrow, Deputising for the Chief of Defense Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces, applauded the US Government’s consistent support to the Gambia Armed Forces.
They called for proper upkeep of the facility and the new vehicle.
Alpha Khan, acting director of the National AIDS Secretariat, encouraged military officers to know their status now that such a clinic is at their disposal.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulie Manneh, Guards Battalion, Fajara Barracks, and Colonel Dr. Alkali Conteh, Director of GAF Medical Services and coordinator of the AIDS Prevention Programme, promised proper upkeep of the facility to serve the purpose it is meant for.
With the inauguration of this latest facility, it is hoped similar clinics will be made available in other military Barracks across the country.
