By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Choithram Memorial Hospital has successfully concluded its annual free pediatric surgery camp, providing life-saving medical surgeries to children in need. The initiative, which took place from March 21 to April 4, 2025, was organized in partnership with the Bintumani Association and a team of skilled German medical specialists. During the two-week camp, 34 children underwent a total of 43 life-changing surgeries, offering hope to families who otherwise could not afford such critical medical interventions. This was disclosed during a Press Conference held at the Choithram Memorial Hospital on April 2, 2025.
The initiative addressed a wide range of conditions, including neck fistulas, cysts, soft tissue tumors, hernias, undescended testes and various congenital urogenital and gastrointestinal abnormalities.
The pediatric surgery camp was facilitated by a dedicated team of specialists from Germany, including:
– Dr. Morley Wright – Specialist Pediatrician
– Dr. Tilman Gresing – Pediatrician
– Dr. Kathrin Ruesse – Anesthetist
– Mrs. Anka Drebes – Nurse Anesthetist
– Mrs. Madeleine Martin – Project Coordinator
Dr. Morley Wright, a leading specialist in pediatric care and a key figure in the camp’s operations, who also oversees financial aid, communication and hospital selection, highlighted the nature of cases treated during the program. “We have successfully treated children with congenital malformations of the abdominal wall, such as umbilical and epigastric conditions. Many cases involved congenital genital malformations, including hypospadias, where the urethra was incorrectly positioned, sometimes leading to fistulas. Corrective procedures were performed to ensure proper positioning and function,” he explained. Additionally, osteomyelitis cases were also addressed during the camp.
Their collaboration with Choithram Memorial Hospital ensured the provision of top-tier medical care, free of charge to the patients. Since its inception in 2010, the pediatric surgery camp has been a beacon of hope for vulnerable children in Sierra Leone.
Harish Agnani, Chief Administrator of the Choithram Group, emphasized the hospital’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts. He highlighted that the initiative is fully funded and has been conducted annually with the support of international experts who volunteer their time and expertise. According to him, the hospital provides essential facilities, including operating theaters and skilled staff, to ensure the success of the program.
For many families, the camp has been a life-changing experience. Nancy Kanu, mother of one of the beneficiaries, expressed her profound gratitude. She described how the care her child received transformed their lives, noting that all services, including food, were provided free of charge.
This year’s successful camp further demonstrates the power of collaborative humanitarian work in addressing critical healthcare needs. With continued support from the Bintumani Association, Choithram Memorial Hospital, and the dedicated team of specialists, the pediatric surgery camp is set to continue offering vital medical care to children in Sierra Leone for years to come.
