In a groundbreaking stride for healthcare in The Gambia, Gambian medical doctors at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), in collaboration with Mass General Brigham from Boston, have successfully performed the nation’s first-ever epilepsy surgeries, marking a historic milestone in pediatric neurosurgery. The procedures, known as corpus callosotomy, were conducted in June 2025, building on the momentum of an earlier mission that introduced the country’s first pituitary surgery.
The latest medical mission, led by Professor Timothy Smith of Mass General Brigham, brought a team of specialists, including Dr. John Rolston, a renowned epilepsy surgeon. Dr. Rolston performed the corpus callosotomy on a child with medically resistant epilepsy, a condition characterized by severe, uncontrollable seizures. This procedure involves surgically dividing the corpus callosum, the structure connecting the brain’s two hemispheres, to prevent seizures from spreading. It is particularly effective for atonic seizures, or “drop attacks,” which pose significant injury risks, especially in children unresponsive to medication. By reducing the frequency and severity of these seizures, the surgery offers hope for improved quality of life.
This achievement follows the success of the first pituitary surgery performed by the same partnership in September 2025, signaling a transformative era for neurosurgical care in The Gambia. The missions reflect a commitment to advancing local medical capacity and addressing complex health conditions previously untreatable within the country.
The epilepsy surgeries were collaborative, with key contributions from multiple stakeholders. Under Professor Smith’s leadership, the Mass General Brigham team provided critical expertise. The Gambian Ambassador to the USA, Honorable Momodou Bah, alongside Mr. Saikou Ceesay and their team, facilitated the partnership. EFSTH’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. M. Bittaye, and the hospital’s management ensured seamless coordination, while Administrator Adama Njie and her team at Ndeban played a pivotal role. Dr. John N. Jabang, Head of the Neurosurgery Unit, led local efforts supported by his dedicated team. Dr. Momodou Bah, affectionately known as “Gobi,” also contributed significantly to the mission’s success.
The surgical camp was made possible through generous sponsorship from OpenAI, the Foundation for Epilepsy Surgery in The Gambia (FESSGAM), and other contributors. Their support highlights the importance of global collaboration in promoting healthcare equity.
These landmark procedures represent a giant leap forward for The Gambia’s healthcare system, particularly in pediatric and neurosurgical care. By introducing advanced surgical interventions, the partnership between EFSTH and Mass General Brigham is paving the way for sustainable improvements in patient outcomes. The success of these missions highlights the potential for continued growth in specialized medical services, offering hope to families and reinforcing The Gambia’s commitment to building a robust healthcare infrastructure.
As the nation celebrates these historic milestones, gratitude extends to all who made this transformative medical journey possible. The collaboration sets a precedent for future missions, promising a brighter, healthier future for Gambians with complex medical needs.
