Teenage Death in Guinea Highlights Gap in Prison Healthcare

Guinea’s 17-year-old social science student Mamadou Djouma Bah was arrested on 15 July for allegedly using a phone during the national baccalaureate exam. Two days later he was convicted and sentenced to prison – a sentence that included a month of detention and five months suspended.

While behind bars in Kindia, his health began to deteriorate. He was transferred to the regional hospital only to die two days later from complications linked to sickle cell disease, officials say.

His father, Mamadou Saliou Bah, told reporters that his son had "Dad, I’m dying" before he passed away, and he blames the authorities for inadequate medical care.

Sickle cell sufferers are at higher risk of severe infections and anemia; early treatment and regular monitoring can save lives, experts say.

The death has prompted teachers’ groups to protest, demanding the release of imprisoned classmates and an independent investigation into Guinean prison health conditions.