The EANS Foundation is supporting a pioneering initiative to strengthen spinal cord injury rehabilitation in The Gambia, investing £15,156 in specialist training and sustainable local healthcare capacity.
With approximately 2.7 million inhabitants and only two fully qualified neurosurgeons at its sole neurosurgical unit, The Gambia faces major challenges in providing specialised neurological care.
To help address the rehabilitation gap, an international partnership has been established between Sibanor Health Centre, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul and Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore in India.
The EANS Foundation’s support will enable eight Gambian healthcare professionals, two doctors, four nurses and two physiotherapists, to undertake specialist training.
Following an initial online learning programme, participants will attend a three-week clinical placement at CMC Vellore in January 2027, gaining practical experience in spinal cord injury management and multidisciplinary rehabilitation. The initiative aims to build sustainable local expertise, strengthen healthcare capacity and improve access to rehabilitation, particularly for patients in rural communities.
By investing in education, collaboration and local leadership, the EANS Foundation is helping create lasting opportunities for patients to regain independence, dignity and quality of life.
The project team includes Dr Margaret Sherratt and Dr Catriona Grant, project co-leads with expertise in clinical care and global health, and Sainey Njie, site lead at Sibanor Health Centre and an advocate for disability inclusion and improved rehabilitation services.
For more information about the project and team, visit The Gambia project page.