8M patients: the only neurosurgeon in Sierra Leone
6 days ago
- #Neurosurgery
- #Global Health
- #Sierra Leone
- Morie Abibu, a paralyzed patient in Sierra Leone, is saved by the country's first neurosurgeon, Dr. Alieu Kamara.
- Dr. Kamara performs the first-ever spine surgery in Sierra Leone under challenging conditions, including power outages.
- Kamara's journey to becoming a neurosurgeon was inspired by a childhood incident and involved overcoming financial and educational barriers.
- A grassroots network, including Mission Brain and global neurosurgical organizations, supported Kamara's training and the establishment of neurosurgery in Sierra Leone.
- Abibu shows signs of recovery post-surgery, moving his toes, which is considered a miraculous improvement.
- Challenges in Sierra Leone's healthcare system include limited resources, lack of imaging capabilities, and financial barriers for patients.
- Efforts are underway to improve neurosurgical care in Sierra Leone, including training nurses, establishing a fund for indigent patients, and acquiring a CT scanner.
- Dr. Kamara's work is seen as a beacon of hope and a model for improving healthcare in Sierra Leone, with plans to train future neurosurgeons.