By Foday Moriba Conteh

A vibrant wave of pink and purpose swept through Freetown on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as hundreds of participants gathered at the Freetown Golf Club in Lumley for the Annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Sponsored Walk, Run and Cycle. The event, organized by the Well Woman Clinic MEPS Trust and proudly supported by Marampa Mines Limited, brought together men and women, young and old, from all walks of life in a shared spirit of hope, awareness and solidarity. From the Golf Club to Family Kingdom in Aberdeen and back, the streets came alive with chants, songs and smiles, culminating in the official launch of the Well Woman Clinic @20 Anniversary Logo ;a symbol of two decades of tireless commitment to women’s health in Sierra Leone.

Representing Marampa Mines Limited, Executive Board Member, Jasmine Robert, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to women’s health and empowerment, describing the initiative as one that perfectly aligns with the company’s vision of supporting sustainable community wellbeing. She noted that this marks the third consecutive year that Marampa Mines has partnered with the Well Woman Clinic to raise awareness about breast cancer and other women’s health concerns. “We feel this is a worthy cause and we’re proud to be part of the Well Woman Clinic’s 20th anniversary celebrations,” she said with enthusiasm. “Earlier this year, the Clinic visited our mining communities in Marampa where they screened women for breast cancer, cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. We are very pleased that our partnership continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women in our communities.”

The Executive Board Member emphasized that breast cancer awareness is not just a medical issue, but a social responsibility that requires collective effort and compassion. She explained that the annual walk serves as a platform for unity, bringing together corporate institutions, NGOs, youth groups and individuals, to promote the importance of early detection and preventive healthcare. “When we walk together, we raise awareness and remind women to prioritize their health,” she said. “Prevention is always better than cure. It is easier and more effective to detect breast cancer early than to deal with advanced stages of the disease. That’s why we are helping to raise funds to support the Well Woman Clinic’s work, especially for women who cannot afford screenings or treatment.”

She acknowledged that while the level of support may not yet meet the full national demand, events like these play an essential role in building momentum and spreading awareness across Sierra Leone. “It may never be enough, but it’s a start,” she added. “Each year, we hope to see more sponsors, more participants and most importantly, more women taking the initiative to seek medical help early.” Reflecting on the broader health challenges faced by women, Jasmine Robert called for increased public education and improved access to screening and treatment facilities. “In many communities, women are not fully aware of breast health issues or how to perform self-examinations. Some rely on traditional remedies when they notice lumps instead of seeking medical attention,” she observed. “We hope that, through the Well Woman Clinic and other partners, more treatment centers will be established in Sierra Leone so that women can receive proper care locally instead of having to travel abroad.”

Jasmine Robert went on to explain that Marampa Mines’ partnership with the Well Woman Clinic extends beyond financial support, encompassing ongoing community engagement and outreach programs in the company’s operational areas. “Our annual sponsorship helps the Clinic fund its outreach and running costs. It also supports women within our concession areas who need screening or treatment. This collaboration allows us to extend the Clinic’s services to communities that might otherwise have limited access to such care,” she said. Concluding her remarks, Jasmine Robert reaffirmed Marampa Mines’ commitment to sustaining the partnership as part of its broader corporate social responsibility agenda, emphasizing, “Every woman deserves the chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Together, we can make that possible by supporting awareness, prevention and treatment efforts across Sierra Leone.”

For Jennifer Renner-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the Well Woman Clinic, the day was deeply symbolic; a reflection of two decades of dedication, compassion and resilience. She recounted the Clinic’s humble beginnings, revealing that its founding was inspired by personal loss after her younger sister and an aunt both succumbed to cancer. “Twenty years ago, there was barely any conversation about cancer in Sierra Leone,” she shared. “We started the Well Woman Clinic because we wanted people to understand what cancer is, how it affects lives and most importantly, how early detection can save lives.” She noted that over the years, awareness has grown significantly, with many now seeking screenings before showing symptoms. “At the beginning, most people who came to the clinic were already in advanced stages of cancer,” she said. “But today, many come early, some even before showing symptoms, because of increased public awareness. This is a huge step forward in our fight against the disease.”

Highlighting the Clinic’s achievements, Jennifer Renner-Thomas revealed that the Well Woman Clinic has provided screening and wellness services to more than 120,000 women and men over the past two decades, helping to save countless lives. She also announced that the Clinic’s upcoming 20th Anniversary Celebration in April 2026 will be themed: “Integrated Health,” emphasizing a holistic approach to women’s wellbeing. “At the Well Woman Clinic, when a woman comes in for screening, we take the opportunity to check for breast and cervical cancer as well as other conditions such as sexually transmitted infections, hypertension and diabetes. Our goal is to ensure early detection and comprehensive care,” she explained. She ended with a powerful message of hope: “My message has always been the same; early detection saves lives. Women must take their health seriously, go for regular check-ups and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can fight and win against cancer.”

When launching the Well Woman Clinic @20 Anniversary Logo, Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Denise Aki-Sawyerr praised the Clinic for its two decades of outstanding service to women’s health and breast cancer awareness. She described the milestone as a moment of pride and reflection, commending the vision and commitment of its founder, Jennifer Renner-Thomas and her dedicated team. “The Well Woman Clinic is an amazing institution that has been screening women, raising awareness and helping them through their breast cancer journey for nearly 20 years,” she said. “Launching this 20th anniversary logo signifies 20 years of success, hard work and countless lives saved.”

The Mayor highlighted the growing awareness around breast cancer across the country, acknowledging the clinic’s role in changing attitudes and encouraging early testing. She also shared a personal connection to the cause, revealing that she had undergone three breast surgeries and that her best friend is a 17-year breast cancer survivor. “As a woman who has faced breast health challenges and as someone close to survivors, I understand how critical early detection is,” she said. “That’s why, as Mayor and as a woman, I will continue to be an advocate and ambassador for this cause.”

She further assured that the Freetown City Council remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote women’s health and cancer awareness, emphasizing that over half of the city’s population are women and that “breast cancer awareness is not just a women’s issue but a public health priority.”

When the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with music, laughter and renewed hope. The walk transcended its purpose as a fitness activity; it became a symbol of solidarity, a celebration of survival and a reaffirmation of commitment to advocacy. For Marampa Mines, the Well Woman Clinic and all participants, the message resonated powerfully across the streets of Freetown: early detection saves lives and together Sierra Leone can build a healthier, more hopeful future for every woman.