Crises Averted: The Story of Amza Musa
Eight-year-old Amza Musa receives free treatment for his sickle cell disease at the PEN-Plus clinic at Koidu Government Hospital in the Kono District of Sierra Leone. (Photo: ©Michael Duff/World Health Organization)
Amza Musa was admitted to the Koidu Government Hospital in eastern Sierra Leone when he was just three years old.
“He was weak, tired, and not interested in playing at all,” said his mother, Yei Miatta. “We stayed at the hospital for one week while he received many different tests. I was so confused. I asked myself, Why is he sick? Where did this sickness come from?’’
Hospital clinicians diagnosed Amza with sickle cell disease but, at that time, could not offer treatment. Instead, his family was referred to a private clinic for medication and advice. His symptoms persisted, though, and he missed school regularly.
In 2023, Amza suffered a sickle cell crisis, causing him extreme pain. This time when his mother took him to the Koidu Government Hospital, he was able to receive treatment at the newly opened PEN-Plus clinic administered by Partners In Health. Amza underwent a blood transfusion and now receives all medication and care at no cost. Clinic staff also taught Miatta a range of strategies for managing her son’s pain, including massage therapy, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments.
Amza, now eight, receives ongoing care at the PEN-Plus clinic in Koidu.
“Since this new treatment, he hasn’t had any serious crises and his symptoms are more manageable,” said Miatta. “We usually get a one- or two-month supply of medication and visit the clinic only if his symptoms worsen.”
Lillian Phillie, a nurse at the PEN-Plus clinic at Koidu Government Hospital, checks Amza Musa’s vitals under the watchful eye of his mother, Yei Miatta. (Photo: ©Michael Duff/World Health Organization)
Emmanuel Fofanah, a clinical officer at the PEN-Plus clinic at Koidu Government Hospital, examines Amza Musa during a regular checkup. (Photo: ©Michael Duff/World Health Organization)