Dr. Don Davis, an oral surgeon in Freetown, capital city of Sierra Leone, has already seen Mamusu. He will need to have an X-ray taken of her head and jaw, to determine the extent of the decay and to plan the first surgical treatment. Meanwhile he has prescribed a regimen of medications which Mamusu cannot afford to buy herself.

Based on the history of patients with similar infections, we expect Mamusu’s treatment to need three or more procedures, preceded and followed by regimens of medication. The process, from first X-ray to final discharge and trip home, can take 4 to 6 months, or longer in case of relapse. Mamusu’s children will remain in the village and cared for by her late husband’s mother. She will be lodged at the Africa Surgery premises in Freetown throughout her period of care.