Tools and training: a practical approach towards improving healthcare equipment maintenance in The Gambia

A pilot project is described which consisted of two core components: a course, which would be of three weeks duration, with the possibility of a one-week supplementary ´advanced´ course if considered appropriate, and the provision of toolkits, test equipment and spare parts. The project would also include follow-up visits to evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of the course. The findings outlined here would seem to confirm not only that there is a vast need for this kind of programme, but also that even a short-duration ´basic´ course can have a significant impact. The provision of training in combination with tools, spares and on-going support has been seen to be an essential combination; one without the other would be not nearly as beneficial.