FREETOWN/Sierra Leone: Dr. Justina Seyi-Olajide, a trailblazing Nigerian pediatric surgeon, is making history as the first African female pediatric surgeon to volunteer with Mercy Ships. Her mission aboard the Global Mercy™, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, is not only transforming young lives but also redefining access to surgical care across West Africa.
A bold and accomplished professional, Dr. Seyi-Olajide brings over 13 years of experience to her volunteer work in Sierra Leone, a nation with only one pediatric surgical specialist serving its entire population. Determined to bridge the overwhelming healthcare gap, she is contributing her expertise to deliver free, life-changing surgeries to children who might otherwise go untreated.
A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, she completed her surgical training at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. She is a Fellow of both the West African College of Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. and fellowship in Montreal, a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
“Coming from a low- or middle-income country isn’t a reason to stay on the sidelines,” Dr. Seyi-Olajide said. “I should be part of the project. I want to be part of the change that’s happening.” As a surgeon who has worked extensively in Nigeria, she understands the desperate need for surgical care across the region, particularly for children.
“About 40 to 45 percent of the population in most sub-Saharan African countries are children under 15 years,” she noted, emphasizing the urgency of pediatric-focused healthcare.
Her daily routine aboard the Global Mercy™ is rigorous — beginning with morning rounds and continuing through a full day of surgeries and late-night patient reviews. Yet, for Dr. Seyi-Olajide, the work is as fulfilling as it is demanding.
“It’s not just about treating the patient,” she explained. “It’s about caring for the whole person. That’s what happens here.”
Her passion for transforming young lives inspired her to specialize in pediatric surgery, a field where the impact is both immediate and lasting. “When a child arrives for surgery, we do everything we can. And when that child walks out healthy again, the joy on the parents’ faces says it all,” she said with a smile.
Outside the operating theatre, Dr. Seyi-Olajide is advancing global medical knowledge through her research. She recently led a landmark study reviewing congenital anomaly screening methods in low- and middle-income countries, offering practical strategies to improve early diagnosis and treatment.
Through her blend of clinical excellence, academic leadership, and compassion for the underserved, Dr. Seyi-Olajide is helping to reshape the landscape of pediatric surgery in Africa — one operation, one child, and one family at a time.
