A New Beginning for Fatmata
Fatmata Dumbuya, age 45, lives high in the coastal mountains overlooking Freetown Harbor with her son and stepdaughter. For years, she suffered from a painful degenerative spinal condition that caused severe stenosis in her lower back. The pain made daily life increasingly difficult, and without treatment, her condition would only continue to worsen.
After arranging an MRI scan, we consulted with Dr. Kamara, a skilled Sierra Leonean neurosurgeon who trained in China and India. We already knew the difference he could make—he had previously helped save a young boy who lost part of his skull in an accident, and Africa Surgery later funded the plastic surgery needed for the boy’s recovery.
After carefully reviewing Fatmata’s scan, Dr. Kamara believed that, together with another surgeon, he could repair her spine.
On March 17, 2026, Fatmata underwent surgery.
Over the following weeks, she recovered at our base, slowly regaining strength and hope. Then, on April 14, we were able to drive her home—back up the steep mountain roads to the family waiting for her.
Today, Fatmata’s daily life is no longer defined by constant pain.
Stories like Fatmata’s are only possible because of the generosity of people who support Africa Surgery. Your donations make it possible to provide MRI scans, surgeries, transportation, recovery care, and hope to patients who would otherwise have no access to treatment. Every gift truly changes lives.
Before her surgery, Fatmata Dumbuya found it difficult and painful to navigate the rough terrain around her home. On April 14, 2026, Fatmata’s ability to reach her house from the road almost matched her enthusiasm and joy to be going there.