Worried by the increasing cases of death from non-communicable diseases in the country, a US-based doctor is currently touring the country to offer free screening for diabetes, hypertension, and guideline-directed antihypertensive medications to Gambians.
Dr Buba Marong was last week in Badibu. In a Facebook post, he disclosed: "In our ongoing effort at cardiovascular risk mitigation, Marong Health Group held another hypertension and diabetes screening in the village of Mandorry, North Bank Region. Three month supply of guideline-directed antihypertensive medications were provided, when indicated, with appropriate follow-up to ensure optimal blood pressure control."
The Ebo Town-born doctor continued: "We want to thank our volunteer doctors and student doctors for their selfless service to these remote communities.
"We were especially heartened by the level of engagement of the members of the community as evidenced by the great questions they asked regarding healthy living and the association between hypertension/diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The fight against NCDs continues."
Dr Marong wants to start a clinic in the Kanifing Municipality to help save lives by making disease prevention and medical care more available and accessible to the poor.