The Government of The Gambia, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the Global Fund, has strengthened last-mile delivery of medical oxygen through the handover of two oxygen transportation trucks. The vehicles were officially handed over by Ms. Mandisa Mashologu, UNDP Resident Representative, to the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, to serve key facilities including Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (Banjul and Ndemban) and Bansang General Hospital, enhancing the safe and reliable distribution of oxygen nationwide.

Designed to transport large volumes of medical-grade oxygen securely and efficiently, the specialized trucks address a critical gap in the national oxygen ecosystem by ensuring that oxygen produced at central plants reaches health facilities across all regions, including remote and underserved communities. Reliable transportation is essential to ensuring that oxygen reaches patients in time, particularly in emergency situations.

The newly delivered trucks will improve coordination between oxygen production sites and hospitals, reduce delays in emergency response, and strengthen the delivery of critical care services. By reinforcing the supply chain, the trucks help ensure continuity of care, enhance preparedness for health emergencies, and significantly increase the country’s capacity to distribute oxygen efficiently especially to facilities that depend on regular replenishment from central plants.

This milestone builds on broader investments to expand oxygen production capacity in The Gambia. The country now has six operational medical-grade oxygen plants, with three central plants commissioned through a strategic partnership between UNDP, the Ministry of Health, and the Global Fund. Together, these efforts are contributing to a more resilient and self-sustaining national oxygen system.

While production capacity has increased, effective distribution remains critical. The addition of these transportation trucks ensures that the benefits of expanded oxygen generation translate into improved patient care across the country. This integrated approach strengthening both production and distribution reflects the strong collaboration between the Government of The Gambia, UNDP, and the Global Fund in improving access to essential medical services.

By expanding oxygen production and strengthening last-mile delivery systems, patients across The Gambia regardless of location can access essential respiratory support. This investment represents more than infrastructure; it is a commitment to strengthening health systems, improving emergency response capacity, reducing treatment delays, and safeguarding lives.

Together, these efforts reaffirm a shared promise: that no child, no mother, and no patient struggling to breathe will be left without the oxygen they need.