Toddler inches away from death after nearly suffocating from tumor 'the size of her face'

A three-year-old from Sierra Leonne was left battling for her life after a neck tumor "the size of her face" formed. Fortunately, she was saved after undergoing a risky surgery performed by volunteer surgeons.

The charitable organization, Mercy Ships International, known for its floating hospital ships, arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, offering free surgeries and medical training.

The girl, Umu, and her mother, Yei, had been living in constant fear as her Umu's tumor, present since birth, continued to grow, posing a threat to Umu's airway and making basic functions like eating increasingly difficult.

Yei faced the heartbreaking reality that her home country lacked a maxillofacial surgeon, leaving her desperate for a solution to save her daughter.

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The journey for medical assistance was fraught with challenges as Umu's condition worsened over time. The lack of access to surgical care in Sierra Leone, a struggle faced by many in sub-Saharan Africa, meant that Umu's life hung in the balance.

According to the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, nine out of 10 people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to safe and affordable surgical care when needed.

Despite Yei's efforts to seek help from various hospitals, the absence of specialized surgeons in Sierra Leone hindered Umu's chances of receiving the necessary treatment. The Children's Hospital in Freetown provided care and support, but the crucial procedure to remove the tumor was beyond the country's capabilities.

A beacon of hope emerged when Yei learned that Mercy Ships was offering free surgery and medical training in Freetown.

The charity's hospital ship, the Global Mercy, delivered a range of medical services, including maxillofacial surgery.

Dr. Gary Parker, a volunteer surgeon with Mercy Ships, highlighted the severity of Umu's condition, stating that without surgery, she was at a "very high risk of suffocation with continued growth of the tumor".

Dr. Parker successfully removed the benign tumor during a risky surgery, saving Umu's life and providing her with a chance at a healthy future.

Mercy Ships International Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Shrime, emphasized the organization's commitment to filling the gaps in surgical care across sub-Saharan Africa.

He said: "Millions of parents and families need safe, timely, and affordable surgical and anesthetic care for their loved ones." The charity aims to strengthen surgical care systems by investing in healthcare professionals, infrastructure, equipment, and overall healthcare systems, leaving a lasting impact on the nations they assist.

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