“Incredible” and “Amazing” were some of the loving words some Gambians used to describe and praise Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow after she revealed that women who are struggling to conceive would now be offered fertility treatment.

In a Facebook post, the First Lady told her followers that her foundation, in collaboration with Merck Foundation recently launched Merck more than a Mother Initiative, which will train the country’s first oncologist and fertility specialist.

According to her, the initiative aims, among other things, to increase knowledge and awareness about infertility and childlessness.

London-based gender activist, Amie Jarju was among the first to shower praise on Fatoumatta.  She wrote on Facebook: “Now our sisters in The Gambia who are struggling to conceive a baby can access help for treatment.”

She disclosed that some of the childless women, who attended the launching of Merch more than a Mother Initiative in Sanyang, were given each 500 dollars to start their own business.

Reacting to Amie’s post, Aziz Wilan described the president’s wife as “a First Lady with a difference.”

One Ya Ngum added: “We are really proud of the First Lady. The Gambia needs a lot of help.”

Effie Nancy Nyassi in the USA also commented: “She is doing an amazing work marshallah. May God continue to bless her!”

Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow is a goodwill ambassador for Merck Foundation, which is a philanthropic organization that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology.