Mr. Augustine Goba is the Emeritus Director of the Kenema Government Hospital Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Laboratory in Sierra Leone and one of TIME’s Ebola Fighters Person of the Year 2014. For over three decades, he has dedicated his life to fighting infectious diseases and saving lives, but now he finds himself needing the help of others - Augustine has been diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which is similar to Parkinson’s, but more aggressive.
Augustine’s journey began in the 1990s, when he worked with the Lassa fever team at Nixon Hospital in Segbwema. When the civil war intensified, he and the team were transferred to Panguma Hospital, and later to Freetown to work at the American Embassy. As the conflict worsened, the team was relocated to Kindia, Guinea, at the Pastoral Center. He continued his work there for four years, and later in Zérékoré, Guinea, from 2000 to 2004. After peace returned, he finally came back home to Sierra Leone.
In 2005, Augustine joined the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever team at Kenema Government Hospital, where he continued his service as one of the country’s most dedicated laboratory scientists and eventually became its Director. His courage and commitment became even more evident in 2014, when he documented the first documented Ebola case in Sierra Leone, an act that saved countless lives and changed the course of the nation’s response. He also served as Laboratory Supervisor for the Tulane University Program in Sierra Leone and Laboratory Technical Advisor for the Mano River Union Lassa Fever Network.
Today, after a lifetime of serving others, Augustine faces a battle that no amount of skill or experience could have prepared him for. He has been diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare and incurable neurological condition that affects movement, balance, speech, and overall mobility. As the disease progresses, it has taken away his ability to walk independently, communicate clearly, and perform basic daily functions. Watching him endure this has been heartbreaking for all of us.
Augustine’s wife, Fadma, and two children, Michell and Marion, have done everything possible to support his care locally and internationally, exhausting their life savings and resources. Providing his treatment, medications, and daily care has deeply strained them emotionally, financially, and personally. Many of their dreams, including Michell and Marion’s educational plans, have been placed on hold as they focus on Augustine’s care.
Despite everything, they continue to trust in God’s grace and mercy during this difficult period. Today, we humbly reach out to friends, colleagues, and compassionate individuals around the world for support through this GoFundMe fundraiser to help Augustine and his family.
The funds raised will directly support:
• Doctors' visits, medications, and specialized care
• Daily needs, physical therapy, and comfort
• Living expenses for Augustine and his family
• Funds to support Michell and Marion returning to school
Augustine has spent his entire life helping and protecting others. Now, we kindly ask for your help in his time of need. No contribution is too small; every act of love brings us one step closer to easing his suffering and supporting his family through this journey.
Mr. Goba’s longtime colleagues and friends in the United States hope to raise at least $5,000 for his long-term care and well-being. 100% of donations will be sent to Augustine Goba's family in Sierra Leone.
