From a Survivor to Advocate: 9-Year-Old Sira Cham Launches Burn Foundation

By: Dawda Baldeh

Nine-year-old burn survivor Sira Cham has launched the Sira Burn Foundation to raise awareness about burn prevention and treatment. Sira, who survived a near-fatal burn incident at the age of two, aims to empower other burn survivors and combat the social stigma associated with their injuries.

“I am a small girl living with burn scars and facing stigma in society every day. I have undergone five surgeries and still have defects on my body… I don’t wish what happened to me for anyone,” Sira shared, reflecting on her journey as a burn survivor. “I can’t change what happened, but I can serve as a voice to prevent others from burns.”

Despite her young age, Sira’s determination to speak out and advocate for others sets her apart. Her mother, Awa Cham, recounted the challenges they faced following Sira’s injury. “She had an accident where hot oil poured on her, affecting her hand. After long treatment, her hand was deformed, and I was advised by Dr Marena to seek surgery. We went to Dakar for the surgery, but it was painful and expensive.”

Awa described the financial burden that came with Sira’s treatment. “I took loans from almost every bank and ran bankrupt. Plastic surgery is very difficult; they had to cut parts of Sira’s leg to repair her hand. A doctor once told me she would lose her hand and leg. I cried endlessly.”

Beyond the physical pain, Sira also endured significant stigma both in society and at school. Her mother used the opportunity to urge parents to protect their children from potential burn hazards. “Burns have no cure. You can’t cure it,” she warned, stressing the importance of prevention.

Even at nine, Sira has shown compassion for others living with burn injuries. “I saw coins and D5s in her bag one day and asked why. She told me she wanted to buy medicine for some burn victims,” Awa recounted proudly.

Mbakoto Yaminde Cole, Head Nurse of the Paediatric Surgery Unit at EFSTH, praised Sira’s initiative as timely and inspiring. “Burn injuries are among the most painful injuries a person can experience, both physically and socially. The start of this foundation is inspiring and highlights the power of early support,” she said, calling for community backing for the foundation.

Solomon Atibuni, a representative from the Child Protection Alliance, also commended Sira’s courage. “Sira is just nine years old and has been advocating for five years. No one should face stigma; don’t let others’ perceptions define you,” he encouraged.

Human rights activist Madi Jobarteh echoed these sentiments, describing Sira’s story as both inspiring and emotional. “It shows that anyone can become disabled due to unforeseen circumstances. Her ambition to address this silent health crisis is commendable,” he said.

Dr Kebba S. Marena, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, emphasised that burn injuries are largely preventable. “We can prevent almost all types of burns. This foundation will help connect burn victims, advocate for child rights related to burns, and address stigma. We want this foundation to reach higher heights to help reduce burn recurrences,” he stated.

Sira Cham’s journey from survivor to advocate stands as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.

 By: Dawda Baldeh Nine-year-old burn survivor Sira Cham has launched the Sira Burn Foundation to raise awareness about burn prevention and treatment. Sira, who survived a near-fatal burn incident at the age of two, aims to empower other burn survivors and combat the social stigma associated with their injuries. “I am a small girl living The Fatu Network