The Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), has launched a nationwide Breast Cancer Awareness and Sensitization Campaign. The official launch took place on September 30, 2025, at the Orange Foundation Event Centre, marking the beginning of activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The campaign brings together health experts, corporate partners, stakeholders, and community representatives to promote early detection, prevention, and treatment of breast cancer across the country.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, SLCB donated $27,500 to support the initiative. The contribution will cover half the cost of a new mammogram machine and expand screening and outreach services nationwide.
Speaking at the launch, SLCB’s Director of Audit, Madam Olayinka Philips, underscored the urgent need for collaborative 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 stated.
She emphasized that only five out of 47 African countries have organized national screening programmes and stressed the importance of early detection. She further revealed that the bank’s support will also fund nationwide awareness drives, workplace and school sensitization sessions, 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 affirmed.
Orange Sierra Leone CEO and Chairman of the Orange Foundation, Sekou Amadou Bah, welcomed the bank’s support and outlined the Foundation’s ongoing efforts.
“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 disclosed.
He expressed concern over the high rate of late-stage diagnoses, citing figures from Connaught Hospital which show that over 70% of breast cancer patients 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 said.
Deputy Minister of Health 1, Dr. Charles Senesie, praised the campaign 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 noted.
He commended Orange Foundation and SLCB for their partnership, stressing that collective efforts are critical to changing the breast cancer narrative in Sierra Leone.
Delivering a health talk, Dr. Isaac Smalle, Surgical Oncologist at Connaught Hospital, educated participants on the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of breast cancer. He highlighted the importance of early screening, healthy lifestyles, and improved referral systems, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as limited diagnostic infrastructure and cultural barriers.
The launch concluded with a strong call for united action to fight breast cancer, enhance awareness, and save lives across Sierra Leone.
