Bakary Sambuya VDC Organises Free Diabetes and Hypertension Check-Up for Villagers

Health Checks © Askanwi

By Edward Francis Dalliah

Residents of Bakary Sambuya and surrounding communities in the West Coast Region (WCR) benefited from a free diabetes and hypertension screening organised by the Village Development Committee (VDC) of Bakary Sambuya on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, with support from Eden Montessori, a UK-based institution.

The one-day exercise, held in the village clinic, aimed to promote early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes and high blood pressure, which health experts say are increasingly affecting Gambians due to poor diet, limited physical activity, and lack of regular medical checks.

Speaking to Askanwi, the VDC Secretary, Samba Manneh, highlighted the importance of the initiative, pointing out that these diseases are “hampering the lives of people.” He explained that the community deemed it necessary to come up with such an initiative, “providing free diabetic and high blood pressure check-ups.” Mr Manneh added that the VDC remains committed to promoting ‘community-driven solutions that improve the health and well-being of residents in Bakary Sambuya and nearby settlements.’

Diabetes is a long-term health condition that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels, often leading to serious complications like heart disease and kidney failure if left untreated. A report by FactCheck Gambia highlighted that “in 2021, the prevalence of diabetes in adults in The Gambia was estimated to be 1.6%, with a total of 18,100 adults living with the condition, according to the International Diabetes Federation. This means that for every 100 adults, about 1 or 2 had diabetes.”

Councillor Samba Manneh © Askanwi

On the other hand, Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another silent but dangerous condition that can cause heart attacks and strokes.  In The Gambia, both diseases are becoming increasingly common due to poor diets, limited physical activity, and a lack of regular medical screening.

Ms. Selina, a representative from Eden Montessori, described the outreach as a crucial step toward fighting diabetes and hypertension at their early stages. She revealed that several participants required further testing, and some needed immediate medical intervention. “There have been quite a few who are on that pressure pace of diabetes, so they would require blood testing to confirm,” she explained.

Additionally, she revealed that “a huge amount are at the pre-diabetic phase. For us, it is very important because at that stage, you can turn it around, where it doesn’t have to become diabetic. Two or three also needed immediate hospital attention, so they have been sent straight to the hospital.”

One of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the outreach, noting that it brought essential healthcare closer to them. “We normally go up to Banjul or Kanifing for such check-ups, but since we have had it at our doorstep, we really appreciate it,” she said.

The Bakary Sambuya VDC health screening underscores the importance of local initiatives in promoting public health and preventive care, while highlighting how partnerships between communities and international organisations can help tackle rising health challenges in rural areas.

Ms Selina and Partner © Askanwi