Sierra Leone’s Only Neurosurgeon Saves Patient from Paralysis
Morie Abibu, a 56-year-old man from Sierra Leone, is receiving urgent neurosurgery to remove a mass pressing against his spinal cord. This operation, performed by Dr. Alieu Kamara, marks a significant milestone as he is the only neurosurgeon in the country, which has a population of approximately 8 million people. Abibu’s situation illustrates the desperate need for neurosurgical care in Sierra Leone, where previously patients faced dire outcomes without access to such specialized medical treatment.
Abibu has been paralyzed from the neck down due to a growing mass at the base of his skull, which is obstructing the nerves that control his breathing. As he lies in a hospital bed at Connaught Hospital, Dr. Marco Lee, past president of the Western Neurosurgical Society, emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “Without it, he will have a devastating end of life.” The availability of neurosurgery in Sierra Leone has dramatically changed since Kamara began his practice at the start of January 2025.
Challenges and Breakthroughs in Neurosurgery
Before Kamara’s arrival, patients with neurosurgical issues often faced bleak prospects. According to Dr. Kehinde Oluwadiya, acting chief medical director of the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospital Complex, “If you are lucky and rich, you will go to another country and be treated. But if you are not, it’s either you die or you live with a lot of disability.” This dire lack of resources prompted Kamara’s training and the establishment of a neurosurgical department.
Five months after Kamara began his practice, April Sabangan, CEO of Mission Brain, along with two surgeons from Stanford, visited Sierra Leone to support Kamara’s fledgling service. Connaught Hospital’s surgical ward has limited facilities, consisting of just two operating rooms and a small team of rotating anesthesiologists and nursing staff. Kamara operates as the sole neurosurgeon, a daunting responsibility for an entire nation.
As Abibu’s surgery proceeds, the team faces logistical hurdles typical of Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. Improvised supports are crafted from surgical gowns, and staff scramble to replace burned-out lights before the procedure begins. When the power goes out during the operation, the team relies on battery-powered surgical lights to continue. Kamara skillfully navigates these obstacles, demonstrating the resilience and commitment needed in such challenging circumstances.
Kamara successfully removes a tumor-laden segment of bone from Abibu’s spine, a breakthrough in a country where such procedures were previously unthinkable. After three hours of surgery, the team completes the first-ever spine operation in Sierra Leone.
Building a Neurosurgical Future
Dr. Alieu Kamara’s journey to becoming Sierra Leone’s first neurosurgeon is shaped by his experiences growing up amid conflict. Born in a small village, he was inspired to pursue medicine after witnessing a friend’s injury during a soccer game. After years of hardship, including working in a factory to fund his education, Kamara trained in China and returned to Sierra Leone in 2020, only to find a lack of neurosurgical facilities.
The path to establishing a neurosurgical program in Sierra Leone involved collaboration among numerous stakeholders. In 2021, Fatu Conteh, a neurosurgery resident in California, began advocating for change after witnessing the consequences of inadequate medical care. She connected with Dr. Sonia Spencer, chairperson of the hospital complex, to explore the possibility of bringing neurosurgery to the country. Their efforts gained momentum with the involvement of Dr. Kee Park, who introduced Conteh to a network of global neurosurgeons.
Sabangan’s commitment to establishing a sustainable partnership culminated in a project to provide Kamara with essential training and resources. Funding was sourced from a combination of personal donations, along with contributions from organizations like Mission Brain and Global Neuro. This collaborative effort equipped Kamara with the skills and supplies needed to operate effectively.
The challenges of providing neurosurgical care in Sierra Leone extend beyond surgical procedures. Patients like Abibu often face significant financial barriers. In Abibu’s case, his family borrowed $300, a substantial sum relative to local incomes, to cover the operational costs. Connaught Hospital is working on solutions, including the establishment of a dedicated neurosurgery ward and the acquisition of a CT scanner, to improve patient care.
With the recent surgery, there is hope for a brighter future. Six hours post-operation, Abibu begins to show signs of recovery as he manages to move his toes, a remarkable achievement given his prior paralysis. Kamara’s dedication to his patients is evident; he provides them with his personal phone number for follow-ups, emphasizing his commitment to their well-being.
As Kamara looks to the future, he aims to train the next generation of healthcare professionals in Sierra Leone. His vision includes establishing a teaching service to inspire medical students and residents, enhancing the capacity of the healthcare system. “The ultimate goal for neurosurgery in Sierra Leone is for us to be self-sufficient,” he asserts.
Kamara’s work represents not only a personal journey but also a transformative moment in the healthcare landscape of Sierra Leone. The ongoing support from local and international partners may pave the way for a more robust and sustainable healthcare system, ultimately saving lives and instilling hope in a nation that has long faced significant medical challenges.
