State House, Banjul, 5th July 2023: President Adama Barrow hailed Riders for Health for a long-term partnership with the Government of The Gambia during an audience with the Founder, Mr Barry Coleman and his team at the State House in Banjul.
President Barrow acknowledged the positive role of the Riders for Health in supporting transportation and other mechanical logistics to the health sector, stating, “Despite the challenges, Government priorities health and the quality of services RFH provides is for the mutual benefit of The Gambia and the organisation”. He emphasised that RFH plays a crucial role in maintaining services for the Government.
Speaking to the press following his audience with the President, the Founder of Riders for Health, Barry Coleman, said the organisation’s relationship with the Gambia government dates back to 1999. He said they are in the country to review and improve the existing systems for better delivery. Through their collaboration, which he said is based on moral principles, they reach remote communities for outreach programmes, collection and distribution of drugs, vaccines and other supplies for effective healthcare delivery throughout the country. Mr Coleman added that the President is aware of their intervention and has encouraged them to continue the excellent work.
According to the RFH head of the Africa Office, Mr Olukayode Ajayi, the Gambia government is the first to source transport systems for health in Africa from RFH, adding other countries are looking up to the Gambia as a model to replicate the system.
