The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) will participate in blood donor drives across nine Public Health facilities across the country. Under the slogan “Give blood and keep the world beating“. The soldiers’ humanitarian activity is an upshot to the World Blood Donor Day on the 14th of June 2021.
The Gambia’s Armed Forces hope to ensure an adequate supply of blood to people in need of blood, particularly in the COVID – 19 pandemic. Therefore, officers, soldiers, and all personnel in military installations from Banjul to Basse “would voluntarily donate blood to ensure individuals and communities have access to safe and quality-assured blood and blood products in both normal and emergencies.”
An official ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday 14 June 2021 in the morning. Military personnel will then assemble at the Kanifing General Hospital in Serrekunda and in all major public hospitals or health facilities nationwide to donate blood.
The following institutions will be principal beneficiaries of the Gambian military blood donating: Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul, Defense Headquarters, Joint Services Headquarters, State Guard Battalion, and Gambia Navy, Kanifing General Hospital – Guards Battalion and GAF Training School, Bundung Maternal and Child Health Centre, DHQ Camp, Yundum Barracks, Brikama Major Health Center, 1 Infantry Battalion, Yundum Barracks, Farafenni General Hospital – 2 Infantry Battalion, Farafenni, Basse Major Health Centre, 3rd Infantry Battalion, Basse, Bwiam General Hospital – 4 Infantry Battalion, Kanilai, Essau Health Centre – Njongon Military Camp, Bansang General Hospital, Kudang, and Lamin Koto Military Barracks.