In a ceremony attended by senior representatives of the Gambian Government, Religious and Traditional leaders, the MRC Unit, the Gambia on the 14th August 2015, signed a   £50,000 agreement with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), for the refurbishment of Basse major Health Centre’s Clinical Services.
On signing the agreement, The Unit Director, Professor Umberto D’Alessandro, emphasised the importance of the project within the Upper River Region (URR), which he said, will be overseen by a committee that will comprise of equal representatives from the government, MRC staff and Basse Health Centre staff. “MRC carries out research activities such as evaluation of new vaccines, treatments or  interventions that may decrease the burden of disease in West Africa; it is our ambition that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in the Gambia and other countries will use research results to improve their actions to decrease the burden of diseases”, he said. Such ambition needs a solid collaboration between the MRC and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, he added.

In appreciation, Honourable Dr Omar Sey, Health and Social Welfare Minister, commended the MRC for its continuous support in the health sector, and highlighted the significance of the project to the Basse Community. He added that the project came at the right time, when Basse Health Centre needed upgrading; with this assistance, Basse will now be transformed into a regional Hospital, he said. He further applauded the support MRC is doing in the health sector and added, “My ministry will not compromise actions aimed at hindering the projects that the Ministry is benefitting from, as ensuring sustainability, is the most important element to my ministry and the government of the Gambia.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of URR, the National Assembly member for Wulli West District, Mr Kassim Jallow, highlighted the role that MRC plays in the lives of Gambians and non-Gambians, while complementing government's efforts towards the development agenda, within the health sector. He assured all present that the Governor, especially the Chief and his people will collaborate with the MRC to do everything possible to ensure the project’s sustainability.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ebrima Jaiteh, Regional Health Director for URR said, “MRC Unit, the Gambia currently supports five major projects at Basse Health Centre and upgrading the Clinical Services of the Health centre will enhance quality health care delivery while ensuring maximum comfort and the safety of Patients, Visitor and Staff”.