Bringing Chiropractic Care to The Gambia: A Life-Changing Mission
Imagine being the first chiropractor to introduce chiropractic care to an entire country. For Dr. Neema Tillery-Moore, this became a reality on her recent medical mission trip to The Gambia. As part of the Sunu Reew Medical Mission, she combined chiropractic and physiotherapy to serve a population that had never experienced this kind of care before. Her leadership and servant heart are an inspiration, and her display of the power of chiropractic care is truly amazing.
The Mission: Healing, Education, and Impact
The goal of the mission was twofold: to introduce chiropractic care and to integrate it with physiotherapy to help patients heal faster. Dr. Neema found herself in an environment vastly different from here in the states. The Gambians healed remarkably fast.
“One adjustment was life-changing for them,” she said. Likely, their physical lifestyle, cleaner food, and resilient mindset contributed to their ability to recover quickly. Theirs is a culture of gratitude and positive mindsets, well known as “the Smiling Coast of Africa.”
Dr. Neema worked at the teaching hospital in The Gambia, where she collaborated with physiotherapists, medical students, and doctors to integrate chiropractic into their existing treatments. She also conducted a formal lecture on chiropractic care, introducing the field to medical students and healthcare professionals for the first time.
A Ripple Effect of Healing
Word about chiropractic care spread rapidly. Within days, she was adjusting patients from all over the hospital, including department heads and influential community members. Many of them had never experienced chiropractic care before but quickly saw dramatic results.
One of the most incredible chiropractic wins was treating babies with brachial palsy—a condition caused by traumatic births where infants couldn’t move their arms. With just two precise adjustments—the Atlas and the shoulder—babies regained movement within days.
Another memorable moment was adjusting an elderly man who had been suffering from chronic back pain for over a decade. After one adjustment, he stood up with ease and expressed disbelief at how much relief he felt. Patients who had suffered for years suddenly found themselves pain-free, further solidifying the need for chiropractic care in the region.
Media Recognition & National Awareness
The impact of chiropractic care wasn’t just felt within hospital walls—it became a national conversation even before she arrived. The success of her previous visit led to significant media coverage. She appeared on radio and television broadcasts, working with ambassadors and key officials to ensure the community was aware of her visit. This helped spread awareness and excitement before she even stepped foot in the country.
She also planned and executed a large-scale health fair, coordinating a team that provided screenings for hypertension and diabetes to over 90 people in a single day. Held at the property of renowned Gambian musician Sona Jobarteh, the event required extensive planning, including securing translators for five different local languages and working with Gambian medical students to execute the screenings efficiently.
The Future: A Chiropractic Wellness Center in The Gambia
This mission was not a one-time event. Chiropractic care in The Gambia is here to stay. Plans are in motion for a permanent wellness center that will integrate chiropractic, physiotherapy, and massage therapy. The vision is not just to provide care but to ultimately train local Gambians in chiropractic, making it a sustainable part of the country’s healthcare system.
Dr. Neema is already in the process of securing property for this center, with plans to establish it within the next few years. The facility will not only provide treatment but also serve as an educational hub where physiotherapists, students, and medical professionals can learn about chiropractic care.
Expanding the Mission
Beyond chiropractic, Dr. Neema is organizing a retreat for women entrepreneurs in The Gambia. In talks of collaboration with Fandema, a school dedicated to teaching women STEM skills such as solar panel creation and sustainable energy, the retreat will bring together women business owners from the U.S. and The Gambia to exchange knowledge, empower each other, and provide resources to help Gambian women build sustainable businesses.
Part of this retreat will include a business pitch competition, where Gambian women will have the opportunity to present their entrepreneurial ideas. Winners will receive funding and mentorship to help grow their businesses, furthering the economic development of the region.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Neema’s journey to The Gambia was not just about adjustments—it was about empowerment, education, and long-term transformation. Her experience proves that chiropractic care has a huge place in global healthcare, and her efforts are laying the foundation for future chiropractors to continue this work.
In acknowledgment of her dedication to Sunu Reew Medical Mission and her commitment to uplifting the health and dignity of the Gambian community, Dr. Neema was honored by the State of Delaware House of Representatives. This prestigious recognition underscores the impact of her work and the life-changing difference chiropractic care is making in The Gambia.
The Gambia is ready. Chiropractic is welcomed. And this is just the beginning.
This is amazing! Go Dr. Neema!