The Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM has received donations from R&R Laundry Services and Alieu Momar Njai, to support the Unit’s COVID-19 response.

R&R Laundry Services donated 30 single flat bed sheets, 50 pillowcases, 13 single wool blankets, 20 waterproof mattress protectors and 1000 woven disposable hats. As the Unit’s Laundry Service Provider, the company has taken the step to support the Clinical Services Department (CSD) with these essential items.

Momodou Lamin Cham, Laundry Manager said, “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the whole world including The Gambia. At R&R, we recognise the pivotal role that the MRCG at LSHTM is playing in the fight against COVID-19. In order to complement your efforts, we make this donation to the Clinical Services Department to strengthen your efforts against the pandemic”.

Karen Forrest, Head of CSD at the Unit thanked R&R for the donation, stating “We really appreciate the support of many of our different partners in the work that we are doing, and we are also very glad to be supporting The Gambia Government in the fight against COVID-19”.

In a separate event, Momar Alieu Njai a Gambian based in California, donated 500 face masks to the Unit, on behalf of his family. The presentation was done by Fatou Alieu Njai, a member of the family.

Ms. Njai applauded the MRCG at LSHTM for their collaboration with the Ministry of Health and contribution towards efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said, “We have seen your efforts and contributions. This is just a token of our appreciation to show that we care about our people, and the institutions at the forefront of the response. This is the least we can do, and we hope that it will help to support the safety of the staff and the COVID-19 patients”.

Joan Vives-Tomas, Director of Operations at MRCG at LSHTM thanked the Njai family for the timely donation, adding, “We really appreciate the gesture, and wish for more families to emulate yours. We will ensure that the masks are put into great use, in the areas where they are most-needed”.

The Unit continues to support The Gambia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, through its collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners.