Diego González Rivas Foundation’s mobile surgical unit arrives in Sierra Leone after epic journey
The Diego González Rivas Foundation’s pioneering mobile surgical unit has finally reached Sierra Leone. Later this month, Dr. Diego González Rivas and his team will perform seven long-awaited operations, giving patients access to advanced surgery in their own country — something that once seemed impossible.
A four-week odyssey across West Africa
Getting the unit there was no small feat. Emmanuel, a Ghanaian driver entrusted with the mission, spent more than four weeks on the road, navigating through Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea before reaching his destination.
“It wasn’t completely new to me, since I’d driven the route before, but the journey was very long", Emmanuel recalls. Poor roads slowed progress from the start, and in Burkina Faso a collapsed bridge forced him to stop for several days, sleeping in the vehicle, short on food and resources.
Through conflict zones
Beyond the logistical obstacles, there was also danger. Parts of Burkina Faso and Mali are controlled by armed groups known for attacking and burning vehicles. “They usually kill people on the road", Emmanuel says. “But we put our trust in God and managed to pass safely".
Strength through personal motivation
The toughest part wasn’t only physical. “A lot was going through my mind… I thought of home, of my mother. She is the one who gives me strength. Thinking of her kept me going", he confesses.
Finally, after a day and a half from the Guinean border, Emmanuel delivered the unit safely into Sierra Leone. There, he handed the keys to another driver, who will complete the final 10-hour stretch to the installation site.
Bringing quality surgery where it once seemed impossible
Now the focus shifts to the patients. Seven people are scheduled for surgery in this mission, each operation representing not only medical expertise but also the extraordinary effort of a journey that proved how far the Foundation is willing to go to honor its mission: delivering world-class surgery to places where it once seemed out of reach.
“Not just anyone could make that journey", said Carla Salgado, director of the Foundation. “We know the risks Emmanuel faced and we are deeply grateful for his professionalism and commitment". @mundistyle