By Omar Sabally
The world’s largest humanitarian network called the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), on Tuesday signed a Status Agreement with the Government of the West African state of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.
The agreement was signed by the Secretary General of the Geneva-based IFRC, Messr. Elhadj As Sey, who was in The Gambia on a two-day working visit.
The Senegalese national disclosed that the status agreement is to provide humanitarian assistance to people in need. SG Sey indicated that they are not any better than the people they serve but are just more privileged. He reassured Gambia of the IFRC’s commitment to continue with The Gambia Red Cross and Gambia Government.
The SG Sy termed humanitarism as a journey that would never stop as long as they are united. He also described community nursing as very important and had to continue.
Meanwhile, in briefing members of the media on the objectives and benefits of the agreement, The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) SolHEALTH and UB-ONE also handed over a cheque for D2,205,000 million to the Ministry of Health for the sponsorship of 45 Community Health Nursing Students enrolled at the Community Health Nursing School in Mansakonko, and the renovation of the school’s facility.
In receiving the cheque at Ngala Lodge, Health Minister Samateh said the health sector inherited difficult situations. However, the minister opined that they couldn’t keep on ruing the past, but they need to get together to build for the future.
He described health as an important sector for nation building, noting that without health people cannot do other things.
“You can have best of equipment but if you do not have the right people with the capacity, then the equipment become useless”, he stated, and therefore expressed delight with the sponsorship. He promised that the funds would be put to good use, saying now there’s “accountability and good governance” at his Ministry.
Mr. Alasan Senghore, Secretary General of Gambia Red Cross Society explained that GRCS is a humanitarian based organisation enacted by an Act of Parliament in 1966 to prevent and alleviate human suffering where ever it may be found.
SG Senghore added that the Red Cross acts as auxiliary to public authorities in the humanitarian and development fields, and is involved in a range of activities such as Disaster Risk Reduction and Relief, First Aid Services, Health Livelihood, Promotion of International Humanitarian Law, Youth and Children Empowerment, Gender and Diversity, among others.
The President of Gambia Red Cross Society, Mr. Jatto Sillah, thanked all their partners for their support. He said they are implementing a lot of projects, and he hopes the fruitful cooperation with the partners would continue.
Pointing out that a lot people consider Red Cross as emergency responders, Sillah intimated they are more than that. He echoed that Red Cross is willing to go to the last door to help when it is hard.
