Beyond Survival: Bringing Neurorehabilitation to The Gambia
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.
A STORY THAT INSPIRED CHANGE
In 2022, a healthcare worker at Sibanor Health Centre in The Gambia was involved in a devastating bus accident that left him paralysed.
As his colleagues helped him regain independence and complete his nursing training, they discovered a much wider problem: access to specialised neurorehabilitation in The Gambia was extremely limited, particularly for patients in rural communities.
For many people surviving spinal cord injuries, the greatest challenge begins after emergency treatment. Without appropriate rehabilitation, even preventable complications can threaten their recovery, independence and quality of life.
This experience inspired a group of dedicated healthcare professionals to take action.
TURNING COMMITMENT INTO ACTION
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 has committed £15,156 to support this initiative, enabling 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.
On returning home, they will share their expertise, develop local clinical guidelines and help train other healthcare professionals, supported by continued international mentorship.
The ambition is simple but powerful: to build expertise that stays in The Gambia and benefits patients for years to come.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE INITIATIVE
- Dr Margaret Sherratt – Project Co-lead
A British general practitioner with over 30 years of NHS experience, Dr Sherratt has spent six months annually working at Sibanor Health Centre since retiring. The rehabilitation journey of her injured colleague inspired her efforts to improve spinal cord injury care and develop local clinical guidelines
- Sainey Njie – Project Site Lead
Administrator of Sibanor Health Centre and a trained nurse, Sainey is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. Through clinical services and community outreach, he works to challenge stigma, improve access to rehabilitation and empower people living with disabilities.
- Dr Catriona Grant – Project Co-lead
A UK-based doctor specialising in general practice, with experience in global health and healthcare improvement, Dr Grant volunteered in The Gambia in 2024. Witnessing the challenges faced by spinal cord injury patients inspired her to help establish the training partnership with CMC Vellore. She also leads work on project monitoring and evaluation.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO THE EANS FOUNDATION
For the EANS Foundation, neurosurgical care does not end in the operating theatre.
Surviving a spinal cord injury is only the first step. Rehabilitation offers patients the opportunity to regain independence, dignity and participation in everyday life.
By investing in education, international collaboration and local leadership, the Foundation is helping lay the groundwork for sustainable neurorehabilitation services in a country where they are urgently needed.
Support Lasting Change
Your contribution can help strengthen neurorehabilitation services, empower local healthcare professionals and create new opportunities for patient with spinal cord injuries.
