AN 11-year-old boy from Sierra Leone, who suffered severe arm deformity after a venomous snake bite, has regained full mobility after a life-changing surgery by Mercy Ships.
Without this free operation, Yusif’s arm would have remained severely contracted, leaving him unable to use it or attend school.
A life altered by a snake bite
At just five years old, Yusif was bitten by a venomous snake while playing football. The bite caused severe tissue damage, but lack of medical access in his rural village forced his family to rely on traditional healing methods.
Mercy Ships volunteer surgeon, Dr. Tertius Venter, explained: ‘With early treatment and antibiotics, his limb could have been saved. But without proper care, the infection led to widespread tissue death, permanently contracting his joints.
After years of unsuccessful treatment attempts, local doctors recommended amputation, but his mother, Mariama, refused. ‘The doctor said my son’s hand must be cut off, but I refused,’ she recalled.
Hope arrives with Mercy Ships
In 2023, Mariama learned that the Global Mercy, the world’s largest charity hospital ship, was providing free surgeries in Sierra Leone.
The 37,000 GT hospital ship is equipped with state-of-the-art operating theatres, recovery wards, an intensive care unit, and a pharmacy. Since September 2023, the volunteer medical crew has performed over 4,000 surgeries, transforming lives across West Africa.
On October 18, 2023, Yusif underwent a three-hour operation to release the contractures in his elbow and wrist. A second surgery on November 8 completed the process.
A new beginning for Yusif
After surgery, Yusif embarked on months of rehabilitation, working closely with volunteer therapists aboard Global Mercy. ‘I feel good now. Before, I couldn’t do anything, but now I can help my mum, play football, and go to school without shame,’ said Yusif.
His mother, overwhelmed with joy, added: ‘When I saw Yusif’s hand straight, I was so happy. We hugged each other, smiling, and he said, “Mummy, see my hand!”’
Looking toward a bright future
With his newly restored arm, Yusif is back in school, dreaming of a career in medicine.
‘I want to become a doctor so I can help people like Mercy Ships helped me,’ he said.
Mercy Ships continues to provide life-changing medical care to those with limited healthcare access, offering hope and healing across Africa.
