By alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – A family in Makeni is making an urgent plea for public assistance to save their six-year-old son, Gibrilla Kamara, who has been battling a worsening case of paralysis. Despite years of seeking medical and traditional treatment, his condition has only deteriorated, leaving his parents financially and emotionally drained.
Gibrilla’s mother, Zainab Kamara, shared the family’s heartbreaking struggle, revealing that they have spent all their savings over the past four years in a desperate attempt to find a cure.
“We’ve exhausted every option and spent thousands of Leones, but nothing has worked,” she said. “Now, we are left with no choice but to seek help from kind-hearted individuals, charities, and health organizations.”
Her husband, Malickey Kamara, echoed her sentiments, explaining that since their son first showed symptoms of paralysis in 2021, they have sacrificed everything, including funds meant for their farming activities.
“With the rainy season approaching, we should be preparing our farm, but we can’t even afford seeds to plant,” he lamented. “Yet, our biggest worry is not our livelihood—it’s our son’s deteriorating health. We have lost almost everything, but we cannot bear to lose him too.”
Mr. Kamara is now appealing to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, humanitarian groups, and global organizations such as the Derrick-Marg Humanitarian Foundation, Sick Pikin Project, and UNICEF to step in and provide urgent medical assistance.
A recent visit to the Kamara home by Awoko Newspaper confirmed the severity of Gibrilla’s condition. His legs are bending inward, open sores have developed on his ankles—especially on his left foot—and he is unable to stand or walk. Confined to one spot, he endures constant pain with little hope of relief.
With no means left to continue treatment, the Kamara’s remain hopeful that the kindness of strangers can give their son a fighting chance. ARW/29/3/2025
