press releaseWashington — Today, the World Bank Board approved $50 million additional financing from the International Development Association (IDA)* to improve the quality and utilization of essential health services in The Gambia. The Essential Health Strengthening Project will finance the construction and equipment of a national emergency treatment center intensive care unit, emergency observation and treatment center, national public health laboratory and training center, and national blood transfusion center. A recent survey revealed that some health facilities have asbestos roofing sheets, which are leaking and releasing dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. This additional financing will enable the expansion of performance-based contracting of health facilities to cover the entire country and implementation of the National Health Insurance Bill that was passed by the National Assembly last week. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.3 billion people who live in IDA countries.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 20, 2021 19:03 UTC