Gambia's First Lady Launches Foundation, Pledges Children's Hospital

Her Excellency Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, the First Lady of The Gambia, launched the Fatoumatta Bah Barrow (FaBB) Foundation on May 13, 2024, with the aim of uplifting disadvantaged women, underprivileged youth, children, and vulnerable communities within the country. Established in 2017, the foundation prioritizes health and social welfare through educational and developmental programs.

Why this matters: The launch of the FaBB Foundation and its commitment to building the country's first children's hospital addresses a critical gap in healthcare infrastructure, which can have a significant impact on the country's maternal and child mortality rates. This initiative also sets a precedent for philanthropic efforts in The Gambia, inspiring others to follow suit and contribute to the country's development.

Alhaji Muhamed Ndimi, the chief launcher, pledged $1 million to support and collaborate with counterparts from Nigeria to further the initiative. Other partners include Africell, Qcell, Metzy Resident Hotel, regional governors, GACH Global, and various individuals, including cooks and cleaners of the State House.

First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow emphasized that the foundation is committed to providing social development to the public and has already registered significant progress in child health and survival through community-based advocacy and initiatives. The foundation has spearheaded meaningful programs such as surgeries, donation of medical equipment to public health centers, scholarships, and other social development programs to enhance its growth.

The FaBB Foundation has also sponsored university students both in and outside the country, drilled 63 boreholes, donated food to communities and institutions, provided medical supplies, and presented gifts to the first babies born each year.

During the launch, First Lady Bah Barrow announced that the foundation's next agenda is to build the country's first-ever children's hospital, which will improve access to quality healthcare for newborns and expectant mothers while addressing child health during emergencies. "The foundation's next agenda is to build the country's first-ever children's hospital," she declared.

The chairman of the Board of Directors, Lamin M. Jassey, and the Chief Executive Officer, Betty Saine, called on local and international associates, including non-partners, to join them in their efforts to assist the foundation and provide much-needed humanitarian services to the poor and public institutions.

The launch of the Fatoumatta Bah Barrow Foundation marks a significant step in addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities in The Gambia. With the pledge of $1 million from Alhaji Muhamed Ndimi and the commitment to build the country's first children's hospital, the foundation is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Key Takeaways

• Fatoumatta Bah Barrow Foundation launched to uplift disadvantaged women, youth, and communities in The Gambia.
• Foundation prioritizes health and social welfare through educational and developmental programs.
• $1 million pledged by Alhaji Muhamed Ndimi to support the foundation's initiatives.
• Foundation aims to build The Gambia's first children's hospital to improve access to quality healthcare.
• Foundation has already registered progress in child health and survival through community-based advocacy and initiatives.