The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the specialised Institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responsible for health issues, has on this 26 October 2026, officially handed over laboratory equipment to The Gambia under the Regional Programme for Strengthening epidemiological surveillance through Laboratory Capacities (PROALAB), funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank.
The handover ceremony took place at the newly constructed hospital in Farato, funded by the World Bank, in the presence of the WAHO Director General, Prof. Palokinam T. PITCHE, a representative of The Gambia's Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministry of Health, the Head of the National Reference Laboratory, the head of the Regional Centre for Surveillance and Diseases Control (RCSDC) and representatives of development and technical partners.
The equipment forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen diagnostic capacities, improve the quality and reliability of laboratory services, and enhance preparedness and response to public health threats in The Gambia and in the region. Through PROALAB, WAHO, with financial support from the German Government, has been supporting laboratory systems across West Africa, including facilities operating in the human and animal health sectors.
In remarks delivered on behalf of the German Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Mr Klaus Botzet, the German Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening health systems through sustainable investments and regional cooperation. The message highlighted the importance of ensuring that laboratory equipment remains operational and effective through regular maintenance, calibration, continuous staff training and robust quality management systems.
The German Government also commended WAHO's leadership and coordination, the commitment of the Gambian authorities and laboratory professionals, and the complementary contributions of technical partners, including the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The ceremony was followed by a guided tour of the hospital and its laboratory facilities, during which the WAHO Director General was briefed on the infrastructure and progress achieved in strengthening the country's healthcare and diagnostic services.
The visit also provided an opportunity to consider future cooperation under the third phase of German financial support through KfW, particularly the One Health and Pandemic Prevention project. Planned interventions include the construction of a surgical unit at the Farato Hospital, further contributing to the development of healthcare infrastructure and the country's capacity to respond to emerging health needs.
