Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and Sierra Leone Commercial Bank have launched a 2026 breast cancer awareness, free screening and surgery campaign aimed at reaching more than 5,000 women across the country.

The initiative was launched on October 3 with an eight-kilometre awareness walk from the Cotton Tree in central Freetown to Kallon Car Park at Aberdeen Beach. Healthcare professionals, breast cancer survivors, government officials, employees of Orange Sierra Leone, bank staff and members of the public took part in the event.

Focus on early detection

The campaign provides screening, treatment support and health education. Organisers said it is intended to promote early detection, timely treatment and continued support for women receiving care.

Madam Aïcha Touré, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, said the foundation wants to extend its work to communities where access to healthcare is more difficult.

“This year, we want to reach more than 5,000 women, especially in communities where access to healthcare is more difficult,” Touré said.

She said Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has supported breast cancer awareness and treatment initiatives since 2015, adding that more than 2,500 women benefited from screening services in 2025. Touré also noted that many women still seek medical attention only after the disease has reached an advanced stage.

“Our message to the entire Sierra Leone is simple: get screened early, and if you need care, follow through with your treatment,” she said.

Calls for expanded cancer services

Professor Dr. Charles Senneh, Deputy Minister of Health I, called for cooperation among government institutions, private organisations, healthcare providers and development partners.

“Women’s health is everybody’s business,” Senneh said.

He said the Government of Sierra Leone remains committed to establishing a state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre. He also said work is underway to expand mammography services beyond Freetown and Kenema to other parts of the country.

Dr. Isaac Olufemi Small, Surgical Oncology Specialist and Head of the Oncology Unit at Connaught Hospital, said breast cancer is treatable, particularly when detected early. He said Connaught Hospital provides services including diagnosis, treatment and palliative care.

Small also reminded the public that breast cancer can affect men, although it is less common. Connaught Hospital receives patients from across Sierra Leone as well as neighbouring Guinea and Liberia, according to the specialist.

Ibrahim Tito Sankoh, a manager representing Sierra Leone Commercial Bank management and staff, reaffirmed the bank’s support for the campaign and its readiness to provide financial assistance.

Campaign speakers and organisers called for breast cancer awareness and public education to continue throughout the year rather than being limited to October. Touré described the broader objective as moving “from fear to knowledge, from silence to conversation, and from late diagnosis to early detection.”