Rural Gambians must go for regular medical check-ups to avoid complications from silent killer diseases, the Programme Coordinator of Chosan Charitable Medical Foundation has warned.
Ebrima Sisawo made the call during a free medical outreach at Kaur Health Centre in Lower Saloum, Central River Region, over the weekend. The outreach was organised by the Kaur Medical Team in partnership with Chosan Foundation.
This is the second edition of the initiative launched in 2025 to bring specialist services to Kaur and surrounding communities. This year, 51 medical professionals including specialists, consultants, nurses, lab technicians and pharmacists attended to over 4,000 patients from Kaur and satellite villages — up from 3,500 last year, with a target of 5,000.
“Hypertension was high. In rural areas people hardly check themselves. They live with these conditions without knowing until complications set in,” Sisawo said.
He linked rising hypertension and kidney problems to poor diet, excessive seasoning, self-medication and low water intake.
“People should check themselves frequently. The earlier you detect a condition, the better. Kidney problems are rising due to self-medication. And people are not drinking water,” he warned.
Director of Health Services Dr Momodou T Nyassi, representing Health Minister Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, commended the initiative, saying the Minister was pleased it reached beyond Kaur. He highlighted cervical cancer screening, outpatient care, orthopaedics, laboratory and pharmacy services.
“Cervical cancer screening is crucial because early detection allows early intervention,” Dr. Nyassi said. He disclosed that the Ministry, with World Bank support, is expanding specialist residency training and building new hospitals expected by early 2027 to strengthen referrals.
Chosan Secretary Ebrima C. Saho said the partnership was born from engagements between Kaur-born medical professionals and the community. The Centre lacks orthopaedic surgeons, ophthalmologists and gynaecologists, making the outreach critical. Last year’s team even responded to a serious road accident during the outreach.
Chosan President Dr Muhammed MK Janneh of Kaur Janneh Kunda said Kaur serves as a hub for several communities that often refer patients to Farafenni, and urged residents to seek early care instead of relying on traditional remedies.
Coordinator Karafa Jobarteh said the outreach was conceived by Kaur professionals and community leaders, and expanded this year due to demand. The 2026 team comprised 51 doctors, 33 nurses, 30 lab technicians and 21 pharmacists, backed by diaspora support and sponsors: Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Arab Gambian Islamic Bank and Access Bank.
Consultant Radiologist at EFSTH and founding member Dr. Fatoumata Jobarteh said services included ultrasound, obstetric and gynaecological scans, soft-tissue scans, plus cervical and breast cancer screening for October breast cancer awareness.
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist Dr Fatoumata Jarjusey, also a founding member, said she alone saw four critical cases including early cervical cancer and a pregnant woman with a large complicated fibroid requiring referral to Banjul. She referred 17 cases to Banjul.
“If we have 10 associations like Chosan in The Gambia, many of these conditions would be history. Everything they do is from their pockets,” Dr Jarjusey said. She disclosed Kaur residents donated over D500,000 to support the outreach despite high drug and logistics costs.
VDC member Mustapha Saine Khan and Alkalo of Janneh Kunda Lamin Janneh said rural areas lack specialists and urged other communities to emulate Kaur.
Patients from Kaur and as far as Kaffrine in Senegal praised the initiative and called for its continuity.