Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, in partnership with Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), has officially launched a nationwide Breast Cancer Awareness and Sensitization Campaign at the Orange Foundation Event Centre.
The event marked the start of activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bringing together health experts, corporate partners, stakeholders, and communities to promote early detection, prevention, and treatment of breast cancer.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, SLCB donated $27,500 to support the month-long campaign. The funds will cover half the cost of a new mammogram machine and help extend screening and outreach across the country.
Making the announcement, SLCB Director of Audit, Madam Olayinka Philips, highlighted the urgent need for action.
“It is an honour to stand with Orange Foundation Sierra Leone in launching this vital initiative. Across Africa, too many cancers are detected too late. In Sierra Leone alone, nearly 3,000 women lost their lives to cancer in 2020, with breast cancer being the leading cause,” she said.
She stressed the importance of partnerships and early detection, noting that only five of 47 African countries have organized national screening programmes. She further stated that the bank’s support will also fund nationwide awareness drives, workplace and school sensitization, post-surgical support, and free basic screening for all female SLCB staff.
“Our commitment is not just a duty; it is an investment in health, dignity, and empowerment,” Madam Philips added.
Orange Sierra Leone CEO and Chairman of Orange Foundation, Sekou Amadou Bah, expressed appreciation for SLCB’s support.
“Our journey in breast cancer awareness began in 2015 with the belief that no woman should die from a disease that can be detected early. In 2024, we screened 1,400 women; this year, we aim to reach 2,500,” he revealed.
He lamented the high late-stage diagnosis rate, noting that over 70% of breast cancer patients at Connaught Hospital are diagnosed too late for effective treatment.
“We are breaking barriers by bringing free screening to communities, educating women, and encouraging early action. Awareness alone is not enough—we must build trust, expand access, and stand with survivors,” Bah stated.
Deputy Minister of Health 1, Dr. Charles Senesie, praised the initiative for aligning with government efforts to improve women’s health.
“Since 2020, we have reduced maternal mortality significantly, and by 2038, our bold vision is zero preventable maternal deaths. This campaign builds on that vision, moving us from late diagnosis to early detection,” he said.
He commended Orange Foundation and SLCB for their partnership, emphasizing that joint efforts are key to changing the breast cancer narrative in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Isaac Smalle, Surgical Oncologist at Connaught Hospital, educated participants on the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of breast cancer. He underscored the need for early screening, healthy lifestyles, and stronger referral systems, while acknowledging existing challenges such as limited diagnostic infrastructure and cultural barriers.
The launch event ended with a renewed call for united action to fight breast cancer, raise awareness, and save lives across Sierra Leone.
