By:Bakary Makanjang
Madam Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia and founder of the Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow Foundation (FaBB), addressed public speculation surrounding a $1 million donation from Nigerian businessman Alhaji Mohammed Indimi.
The donation is funding critical maternity ward projects in Essau, Farafenni, and Jarra Soma, aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates nationwide.
During an extensive tour of ongoing construction at Essau District Hospital, Farafenni General Hospital, and Jarra Soma District Hospital, the First Lady clarified that the donation is being used transparently to support these vital healthcare initiatives.
Accompanied by Dr. Ahmadou Samateh, Minister of Health, and key FaBB team members, Madam Bah-Barrow inspected the projects to ensure they meet medical standards and timelines. The FaBB Foundation, established in 2017 to combat poverty and support vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts in The Gambia.
However, the $1 million donation sparked debate, with some questioning the motives behind such contributions, while others supported the First Lady’s acceptance of the funds to advance her foundation’s goals.
Addressing these concerns, Madam Bah-Barrow emphasized her commitment to transparency. “The donation from Alhaji Mohammed Indimi is a generous contribution to improve maternal healthcare,” she told reporters. “Every dalasi is being invested directly into these maternity wards to save lives and ensure safer childbirth for Gambian women.” The projects, launched on her 50th birthday on August 5, 2024, symbolize her dedication to tackling maternal mortality, a pressing issue in The Gambia.
During the tour, the delegation engaged with contractors and hospital staff, reviewing construction plans, quality control measures, and timelines.
Dr. Samateh praised the First Lady’s leadership, noting that the new maternity wards will significantly enhance healthcare access in rural areas. “These facilities will address critical gaps in maternal care, aligning with our national health priorities,” he said.
The maternity wards are designed to meet stringent medical standards, with feedback from the Ministry of Health ensuring compliance with these standards. Hospital staff expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its potential to reduce maternal deaths and improve outcomes for newborns.
The projects are expected to be completed within the next year, providing modern facilities for safe deliveries.
Madam Bah-Barrow’s broader work through FaBB includes partnerships with organizations like Merck KGaA to address infertility and initiatives aimed at empowering women economically. Despite past controversies, such as a 2018 financial inquiry into a separate donation, the First Lady has maintained her focus on humanitarian causes, earning her the nickname “the little lady with the big voice.”
As the maternity ward projects progress, the First Lady’s efforts continue to inspire hope, with communities in Essau, Farafenni, and Jarra Soma eagerly awaiting the impact of these life-saving facilities.
The post First Lady Fatou Bah-Barrow Addresses $1M Donation Fueling Maternity Ward Projects appeared first on The Alkamba Times.
