Skip to content
History & Achievements

About the hospital:

Bansang Hospital was built in 1938 and stands deep in the African bush, 200 miles from the coast. It is the main referral hospital for the Central and Upper River Region of The Gambia and is responsible for the healthcare needs of 600,000 people including those trekking from countries such as Senegal and Guinea–Bissau. Many patients travel long distances on horse carts, arriving with life threatening illnesses that require urgent, specialist treatment.

Many of the ailments, viruses and infections are consistent with extremely hot & humid equatorial zones. Malnutrition, malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, anaemia, snakebites & burns are just a few of the conditions requiring treatment.

What the hospital was like in 1992:

Prior to the charities inception in 1992, Bansang was a hospital without hope. Nearly a days drive from the coast, it was a seemingly forgotten place; one which suffered from the fiercest of environments as well as an acute lack of hospital provisions. There were few drugs available to the patients, and even fewer cannulas with which to administer them.

Patients would endure operations without anaesthetic, only to then face ‘recovery’ on mattresses sodden with decades of detritus, and in wards that were absolutely overwhelmed. Rats and cockroaches were rampant, emerging at night to feed on patients saliva, saline drips and wounds. To have ventured to Bansang in those dark days was to venture to one of the world's very darkest places, read Anita's graphic story of her very first visit way back in 1992.

The injustice of those early years seared itself on to Anita's heart. She would often return to England suffering from shock, night tremors and insomnia. Those experiences galvanised her and drove her to achieving things that are far above and beyond anything delivered by the major charities. Anita's tireless commitment has helped draw together an incredible coalition of international assistance whose support has transformed the hospital.

The horrors of old have given way to a clean, bright and welcoming establishment. Dank and forbidding wards have been dramatically altered or replaced entirely. There isn't a part of the hospital which hasn't benefited dramatically from the incredible variety of support delivered since 1992. Have a look at the 'Projects and Achievements' menu in the right column to see just some of the things 'we' have achieved over the years.

What makes us different:

Where the BHA is absolutely unique is in its approach to the staff at the hospital. From the very earliest years of the charity, Anita recognised that retaining and motivating staff was absolutely key to delivering sustainable healthcare in such acutely challenging conditions. From the gardener to the chief executive, every single member of staff is valued, supported and invited to contribute towards the ongoing development of the hospital. This cooperative approach has had truly unparalleled success. For many years the hospital has had a near 100% retention of its staff; a feat unmatched anywhere in Sub-Saharan Africa.

It is a strategy that Anita has implored the large charities to adopt. They have yet to do so...believing instead in the primacy of donating equipment and new infrastructure. Africa deserves so much more - we want every major charity to look at Bansang and learn from what we have achieved here. Affordable healthcare IS an achievable aspiration, even in the very poorest and most remote locations. We want Bansang to be a blueprint for the rest of Africa; one which demonstrates that it is possible to deliver effective healthcare to everyone.

YOU can help us:

Bansang Hospital Appeal is dedicated to securing a bright and sustainable future for Bansang Hospital, so if you share our vision for continuing to improve healthcare in Bansang and beyond, we invite you to join us in making a real difference.

There are so many ways you can get involved supporting the Bansang Hospital Appeal, here are just a few suggestions:

  1. Spread the Word: Help us reach more people by sharing information about the BHA on Facebook and Instagram. Your voice can amplify our message and attract more support.
  2. Fundraising: If you're adept at fundraising, consider creating a BHA fundraising page on platforms like Facebook or GoFundMe. Host events like coffee mornings or organize sponsored activities such as marathons or walks. We're here to support you every step of the way.
  3. Volunteer: If you're a medical professional willing to volunteer your expertise, we welcome your support. Your skills and knowledge can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
  4. Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, is vital in enabling us to continue our impactful work. For instance, a £20.00 donation will buy life saving cannulas or sponsoring a nurse attendant's £100.00 per month wage could save us £1200.00 a year on our hospital staff wages bill, allowing us to allocate these precious funds to other essential projects.
  5. Donate for Infrastructure: A donation of £6,000.00 could help us convert a dilapidated building into a safe and comfortable home for our staff and their family, ensuring their well-being as they continue their vital work.

Please visit our Donate page for more fundraising ideas or message me directly with your thoughts and suggestions. Your engagement and support mean the world to us and are deeply appreciated.

Many thanks for taking the time to look at the Appeals work it is very much appreciated and hopefully you will join me in continuing to improve healthcare outcomes for the patients and staff at Bansang Hospital.

Anita Smith MBE MRG
Founder of the Bansang Hospital Appeal

~ BHA Annual Newsletter, 2023 ~

BHA annual newsletter download

Download Newsletter, click image

Projects & Achievements

Please Sign-Up to the BHA Mail List

X