The MRC Unit The Gambia (MRCG) continued its support and contribution to the Gambian health services during the recent political events. Following an agreement with The Gambia Red Cross Society, the MRCG clinical services were ready to function as a referral centre for patients while our clinical laboratory facilities were ready to conduct rapidly cross-match whole blood. Several MRCG staff, including international staff, volunteered to work in the 42-bed ward should the need arise. To complement the efforts and skills of the Red Cross and other healthcare providers locally, the MRCG’s ambulance was available. In addition, the MRCG provided 500 Hepatitis B Virus tests to the Gambian Health Services.

As the political situation in The Gambia improved and thousands of displaced Gambians and non-Gambians returned from neighbouring Senegal, the mass influx of people at The Gambian borders were overwhelming. To assist, MRCG provided a bus to the Rotary Club of Banjul to transport refugees.

Peace and stability has returned to The Gambia and MRCG has resumed normal research activities on Tuesday 24th January 2017. More details can be found on the UK Foreign Office website and also summarised in this video: https://www.facebook.com/foreignoffice/videos/10154728508300630/