Photo Gallery: Camp Wanwɔd 2026
More than 60 young people living with either type 1 diabetes or sickle cell disease gathered in Bo, Sierra Leone, for a week of health education, peer support, art, music, recreational activities, and empowerment.
Fatu Bangura, 28, raises paint-covered hands during art activities at Camp Wanwɔd in Bo, Sierra Leone. Bangura lives with sickle cell disease and was a counselor at the camp, which brought together more than 60 children, adolescents, and young adults for a week of health education and empowerment. Camp participants receive year-round care at PEN-Plus clinics in Sierra Leone. Bangura receives care and access to medicine at the PEN-Plus clinic in Kono District. (Photos: Federico Bruckner)
Fatu Bangura, 28, has lived with sickle cell disease since being diagnosed at age five. For the past three years, she has been receiving care and access to medicine at the PEN-Plus clinic in Kono District, Sierra Leone.
Her last pain crisis from the disease was three years ago.
With proper care, rest, diet, hydration, and medicine, Bangura has been able to thrive in life and focus on her job as an accountant. She works at a microfinance company that provides small loans to women, to help them start businesses and provide for their families, employees, and communities.
“We want women to be independent,” Bangura said.
Her story reflects how health care can strengthen communities and economies—and was part of many experiences shared during Camp Wanwɔd, held in early August in Bo, Sierra Leone. The camp brought together more than 60 children, adolescents, and young adults living with either type 1 diabetes or sickle cell disease, for a week of health education, peer support, and empowerment.
Bangura served as a counselor at the camp, helping younger warriors enjoy the experience, learn about their condition, and realize that they are not alone.
The smiles in this photo gallery show how much of an impact that kind of encouragement can have.
Camp Wanwɔd was held in partnership with Doctors With Africa CUAMM, the Sonia Nabeta Foundation, and Partners In Health–Sierra Leone, thanks to support from the Bukhman Foundation, through Mass General Brigham.
