This is Ami, a bright and beautiful 14-month-old girl in The Gambia. In the past two months, she has survived two terrifying episodes of pneumonia — the first so severe she stopped breathing and required emergency care.

Despite this treatment, Ami remains unwell, and her mother, Effo, fears something critical has been missed. She worries that without better care, another episode could be fatal.

In The Gambia, public hospitals work under immense pressure, with limited funding, equipment, and staff. They do their best to serve large numbers of patients, but the strain often means essential care is delayed or unavailable.

One example: Ami has never received the pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) — even though it is included in the national immunisation schedule. It was not administered during either of her hospital stays, nor has it been mentioned as a preventive measure for the future.

This is not due to neglect by individual doctors or nurses, but reflects a broader system stretched beyond capacity, where oversights and gaps in care are sadly common.

Now, Effo wants to take Ami to a private hospital for further testing, reliable treatment, and proper follow-up care — but she simply cannot afford it on her own.

That’s why we’re asking for your help.

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What Your Donation Will Support:

This campaign is run by me, Stuart Kusta as GoFundMe does not support withdrawals in The Gambia, and Effo is not able to manage an online fundraiser. Effo is my sister-in-law. Every penny donated will go directly toward Ami’s treatment, and I will oversee all transfers and payments transparently. Any excess funds, if any, will be donated to other medical campaigns or critical support.

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Every donation — no matter the size — helps give Ami a real chance to get well, stay well, and grow up healthy.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this campaign with others who might be able to help.

With heartfelt thanks,

Stuart