The new infrastructure, funded to the tune of $638,538 by the ECOWAS Regional Stabilization and Development Fund, aims to strengthen maternal and child health in eastern Guinea-Bissau.
The ECOWAS Commission officially handed over the new Maternity and Paediatrics Complex at the Bafata Regional Hospital in eastern Guinea-Bissau on Saturday, as part of its investments in health and community resilience.
The technical handover ceremony was presided over on August 8 in Bafata by the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, in the presence of several government officials and regional authorities from Guinea-Bissau.
The investment, amounting to $638,538.05, was made through the ECOWAS Regional Stabilization and Development Fund (RDSF).
This funding is part of a $1.8 million direct investment programme by the organization in Guinea-Bissau.
According to ECOWAS, this funding aims to address the needs of populations living in fragile areas, particularly by improving access to maternal and child health services.
“There can be no lasting peace or sustainable development without investment in people,” emphasized Ms. Tchintchibidja, placing particular emphasis on maternal and child health and community well-being.
The ceremony was attended by, among others, the Guinea-Bissau Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, Mamadu Mudjetaba Djala, the Governor of the Bafata Region, Mustafa Soares Cassama, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Public Health and Public Works.
Also present were the Director General for Regional Integration and Head of the ECOWAS Unit in Guinea-Bissau, Cristina da Silva Pedreira, healthcare professionals, technical partners, and representatives of the beneficiary communities.
For the ECOWAS Commission, the handover of this infrastructure reflects its commitment to translating regional solidarity into concrete investments that benefit the people and contribute to a more resilient, stable, and prosperous West Africa.
AC/fss/gik/APA