The Gambia

The Need

The Gambia is located on the West African coast and extends about 400km inland. The public health service delivery system is a three tier system. Over the past few years, Gambia’s health sector has been under great pressure due to high population growth rates, inadequate financial and logistic support, shortage of health staff, and lack of an efficient and effective referral system.

In Gambia, communicable diseases are one of the most common causes of death and non-communicable diseases are thought to be under diagnosed and under reported. Though there are many efforts to decrease health disparities that exist, Gambia’s biggest obstacle is still a lack of resources and funding. There are still gaps between expected and actual performance. International Medical Relief (IMR) partners with Gambia to increase support in initiatives to create a more equitable health care system. IMR continues to provide qualified health care providers and support staff to deliver medical and dental care, community health education, disease-specific education, and laboratory point-of-care testing. Join IMR as we continue to provide care and education and uplift the overall health of Gambia’s population.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began its partnership with the Gambia in 2018. Since our first visit, 60 staff and volunteers have treated 5,500 patients. We plan to continue our preventative efforts by providing medical relief efforts and sustainable health services through community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations. IMR strives to provide life-changing medical care to people who do not have reliable access to treatment and help increase the community’s education and knowledge of their own health, improving the overall health of the most vulnerable and underserved communities in the Gambia. 

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa and is a country completely surrounded by another country with the exception of a small length of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia, surrounded by Senegal, is a country of a rich history in her own right. In fact, you will be staying on an island that was one of the most important slave trading routes during a tragic time in history. The Gambia is known as one of the most culturally rich countries on the African continent, with many tribal and ethnic groups living peacefully side by side.

The Gambia has enjoyed long periods of stability, unlike many of her African neighbors. Stability, however, has not translated into prosperity. Despite the presence of the Gambia River, which runs through the middle of the country and on which you will travel, only one-sixth of the land is arable and poor soil quality has led to the predominance of only one crop – peanuts.

Within the population of 1.8 million, the life expectancy is less than 60 years and the probability of dying before the age of 16 is greater than 25%. Malaria is the number one cause of death for children under 5 and lower respiratory tract infections killed more than 1,700 adults in 2012, the most recent year this information is available (WHO).

Nearly 60% of the population lives below the poverty line and 40% lives below the food poverty line. Poverty is widespread, pervasive and predominantly rural. Approximately three quarters of the rural population (where are clinics will be held) is classified as poor. The Gambia needs your help and the Ministry of Health has asked IMR to provide care.

Lodging/Transportation

You will stay in a beautiful resort for most nights on this amazing trip.  There will also be an overnight on the UNESCO World Heritage designated Kunta Kinteh Island (St. James Island), made famous by the book and movie, Roots.  Please join us as you discover the beauty of Gambia and the Gambian River valley! Our hosts, working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health, have partnered with us to create an itinerary that will allow you to see the sickest patients while sharing in the beauty of the Gambia.

Highlights

You will have the opportunity to explore the Gambia, not just from the perspective of the health of her people, but also culturally as you work with many different tribes. You will stay on an island designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, infamous for its history of slaving but now famous as the disembarkation point in the book and movie, “Roots,” based on a true history of a family living on the island in the 1700s. The lead character is now known around the world as “Kunta Kinte.”

You will travel along the Gambia River, one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, where oysters abound, giving rise to the national dish of the Gambia, oyster stew. Women harvest the oysters from the river and add many of the common Gambian flavors from peanuts, tomatoes, black eyed peas, and more. You’ll enjoy the wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Gambia every day during your journey.

Extend Your Stay

Itinerary at a Glance