Fatou Camara
By Fatou Sillah
Fatou Camara, a 16-year-old girl from Nianija in the Central River Region of The Gambia, has been fighting kidney disease for more than a year. Currently, undergoing dialysis three times a week at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul, her condition has reached a critical stage. Medical professionals have advised that she requires immediate specialized treatment abroad.
The disease has severely impacted Fatou’s life, rendering her unable to attend school and perform everyday activities. Her family is struggling to cope with the financial strain of her ongoing treatment. The costs associated with a kidney transplant overseas are far beyond the means of Fatou’s family.
Her brother, Alieu Camara, a teacher and the primary breadwinner of the family, spoke about the heavy financial burden they are facing.“Her condition has brought numerous challenges, particularly financially. With frequent hospital visits and the need for medication and dialysis, it has been extremely difficult. I had to rent accommodation near the hospital to ensure she doesn’t miss her treatments, which has added significant financial strain on us,” he shared.
Fatou’s family is now reaching out to the public for assistance in funding her overseas treatment.
“We are desperately seeking help because Fatou is young, and she was supposed to be in school, but her health has prevented that. We cannot afford the expenses of a kidney transplant abroad, and any support we receive would be greatly appreciated to give her a chance at recovery,” her brother added.
Kidney disease remains a global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, it affects approximately 850 million people worldwide and is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040.
For Fatou and her family, immediate support could mean a second chance at life and a future filled with hope.