Neneh Cheyasine Kebe, Vice President of Gambia Golden Era, has raised concern over newborn survival in The Gambia, claiming that inadequate neonatal facilities, particularly the lack of incubators, are contributing to a high number of infant deaths.

Kebe made the remarks in an interview with Andy Karmah, which is expected to be aired on February 6, 2026.

She argued that many health facilities across the country lack the capacity to adequately support mothers during childbirth and provide essential care for newborns.

According to her, “Every 1,000 babies that are born in The Gambia, 300 of them die because we have no incubators. We don’t have adequate hospitals to support mothers that are delivering their babies.”

Her claims have, however, been challenged by Dr Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), who questioned the accuracy of the figures cited.

Reacting to the statement, Dr Bittaye described the claims as inaccurate and called for responsible use of health data in public discourse.

He urged commentators to verify statistics with the Ministry of Health before making public assertions on sensitive health matters.

“This is inaccurate… why don’t we just check with the Ministry of Health before throwing numbers out there?” he said.

The exchange has sparked fresh public debate around maternal and neonatal healthcare services, hospital capacity, and the availability of specialised equipment.

It has also drawn attention to the importance of accurate data when discussing national health challenges.

The interview is expected to further fuel discussion once it airs, as stakeholders await clarification from health authorities regarding newborn mortality statistics and ongoing efforts to strengthen neonatal care in The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba