Sierra Leone Gains First Neurosurgeon, Saving Lives in Crisis

Morie Abibu, a 56-year-old man from Sierra Leone, faced a dire medical crisis as he lay in a hospital bed, paralyzed from the neck down due to a mass pressing against his spinal cord. This critical condition left him in a vulnerable state, slowly suffocating as he awaited surgery. Fortunately, Abibu’s situation changed in early 2025 with the arrival of Dr. Alieu Kamara, Sierra Leone’s first and only neurosurgeon, who began his practice at Connaught Hospital in January.

The country, home to eight million people, previously lacked a neurosurgical service, forcing patients to seek treatment abroad if they could afford it. Dr. Kehinde Oluwadiya, acting chief medical director of the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospital Complex, emphasized the urgency of Kamara’s presence, stating, “Before Dr. Kamara, there was no hope.”

First Surgery Marks a New Era

In May 2025, Abibu became one of the first patients to receive neurosurgery in Sierra Leone under Kamara’s care. Supported by April Sabangan, CEO of Mission Brain, and surgeons from Stanford University, Dr. Seunggu Han and Dr. Silvia Vaca, Kamara prepared for a complex operation to remove the mass at the base of Abibu’s skull.

The surgical setting posed significant challenges, including frequent power outages common during Sierra Leone’s rainy season. As Kamara made the initial incision, the operating room was plunged into darkness. Only battery-powered surgical lights illuminated the procedure as he carefully navigated the delicate operation. After three hours, Kamara successfully removed the tumor, completing the first-ever spine surgery in the country.

A Journey to Neurosurgery in Sierra Leone

Dr. Alieu Kamara’s journey to becoming a neurosurgeon is remarkable. Born in a small village during Sierra Leone’s civil war, he faced numerous obstacles. Inspired by a friend’s injury during a soccer game, Kamara pursued a medical career, ultimately receiving his medical education in China. Despite returning to Sierra Leone in 2020 and initially working as an orthopedic surgeon, he recognized the urgent need for neurosurgical care.

The establishment of neurosurgery in Sierra Leone is a collective effort. Fatu Conteh, a neurosurgery resident in California, played a pivotal role in connecting local and international partners to bring this vision to life. After witnessing her grandmother suffer from a stroke without timely treatment, Conteh was determined to prevent such tragedies.

With the support of Mission Brain and other organizations, Kamara’s training and the establishment of a neurosurgical ward became a reality. Donations and collaborations have enabled the procurement of necessary medical supplies and training programs for local nurses.

The impact of Kamara’s work extends beyond individual surgeries. He is committed to training the next generation of neurosurgeons, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency in medical care. Kamara’s dedication is evident as he provides his personal contact information to patients, ensuring ongoing support and follow-up.

As Sierra Leone’s health sector faces numerous challenges, including limited resources and logistical hurdles, Kamara’s efforts demonstrate the potential for significant change. With government support and the establishment of a dedicated neurosurgery ward, there is hope for a sustainable future in healthcare.

Dr. Mustapha Kabba, deputy chief medical officer of the Ministry of Health, views this initiative as a benchmark for what is achievable in the health sector. “There’s a lot of pessimism in our system,” he noted, highlighting the ripple effect Kamara’s success could have on the country.

Morie Abibu’s recovery is a testament to the transformative power of dedicated medical care. Just six hours post-surgery, he displayed movement in his toes, an early sign of recovery that brought tears of joy to his family. As Kamara continues his work, he not only treats patients but also inspires hope for a healthier future in Sierra Leone.