Violence Nearly Stole His Future
Eighteen-year-old Alusine Ademu was doing something millions of young people around the world enjoy—cheering for his favorite soccer team. But what should have been an afternoon of excitement turned tragic when a fight broke out between rival fans. During the violence, Alusine was stabbed in the lower back with the jagged edge of a broken glass bottle.
When he first came to Africa Surgery on March 2, 2026, he was in excruciating pain. We immediately began treatment with strong oral pain medication, but it brought little relief. As his condition worsened, we transferred him to our base in Freetown on April 30, where stronger injectable medications were also unable to control his pain.
Africa Surgery arranged for an MRI, which revealed the cause of Alusine’s suffering. A neurosurgeon determined that an infection near his spine was repeatedly inflaming the lining of his spinal cord, triggering agonizing episodes of pain. Antibiotics alone could not solve the problem.
As the weeks passed, the pain robbed Alusine of his appetite and his strength. He began losing weight, and our staff did everything they could to nourish him, encouraging him to drink liquid nutritional supplements and eat protein-rich foods such as boiled eggs to prepare his body for the treatment he desperately needed.
Finally, on June 10, hope arrived. After a long wait, the neurosurgeon obtained the specialized spinal implants required to perform the complex surgery that could give Alusine a chance to reclaim his life.
Alusine’s story is a powerful reminder that healing involves much more than an operation. It requires transportation, diagnostic testing, medications, nutrition, compassionate daily care, and access to skilled surgeons—all working together to give someone hope.
That is exactly what your donations to Africa Surgery provide. Your generosity makes it possible for young people like Alusine to receive lifesaving care they could never afford on their own. Every donation helps turn moments of despair into opportunities for healing, recovery, and a brighter future.
