In May 2014, Graham Watson met Health Department staff and hospital surgeons in order to assess what assistance Medi Tech Trust may be able to offer. It was agreed that the charity supplied equipment and training as prostate cancer and associated problems were rife.
While there, he performed several operations, eagerly observed by the local theatre staff at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital.
On meeting their Health Minister that August it was agreed that as Gambia was geographically small, a period of intensive training and investment could result in a very rapid period of modernisation.
Medi Tech Trust decided to actively support Gill Miller and Abdoulai Samateh, Project Gambia organisers, seen holding their first match funded cheque, by match funding their donations.
Training courses have been regularly held at the EFSTH for both UK and African surgeons.
This 20 foot sea container was completely filled with medical equipment and surgical supplies. Just one of the shipments sent to benefit the people of The Gambia.
Our favourite Gambian Girl
Mariama was born with her bladder outside of her body, so faced a short life of infection and tumours as her parents could not pay for her expensive operation and care.
Medi Tech Trust mounted an intensive fundraising campaign to cover these costs. In 2017, after a long, difficult but successful operation, Mariama spent six weeks in plaster. Eventually she returned home to lead a normal life and is now attending school.