Doctor Leads Cervical Cancer Care in Sierra Leone

Dr. Rosalitta Jaida Toogbabu, a resident doctor at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Sierra Leone, has gained crucial experience in cervical cancer care through the country's Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative (CCEI). The initiative, launched in 2024, has provided her with hands-on training and mentorship during surgical camps. These camps, conducted by the Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, aim to build local capacity for complex, life-saving surgery.

Before joining the surgical camps, Dr. Toogbabu had limited experience with radical hysterectomy, a procedure often required for cervical cancer treatment. She had observed the procedure only twice and had never participated in it. However, through the camps, she has gained practical skills and confidence in performing the surgery. The training has empowered her to anticipate the next steps of the operation, a significant improvement from her earlier experience.

The CCEI has made a tangible impact on cervical cancer care in Sierra Leone. Since 2024, the initiative has enabled 15 women diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer to access complex, life-saving surgery. The program has also trained local specialists, including Dr. Toogbabu, to sustain these services in the long term. This effort is crucial, as cervical cancer was once a near-certain death sentence for many women in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Toogbabu credits mentorship from Dr. Michael Ezeanochie, a gynaecology oncologist who leads her department, for her progress. Dr. Ezeanochie has mentored local teams since the initiative began in 2024. The support of visiting international experts, guided by Dr. Samson Chisele and Dr. Groesbeck Parham from Zambia, has also been instrumental in her growth as a medical professional.

Despite her progress, Dr. Toogbabu acknowledges that her training is not yet sufficient for independent practice. She requires exposure to a high volume of cases in centres where such procedures are performed daily or weekly, as well as training in other aspects of gynaecological oncology. Nevertheless, she is determined to strengthen cervical cancer prevention efforts, expand oncology services, and contribute to shaping national policies and training programs.

The CCEI is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, WHO, Friends of Africa, and other partners. The initiative aims to build a sustainable healthcare system for cervical cancer care in Sierra Leone. Dr. Ezeanochie expresses optimism about the future, citing the talent and motivation of doctors like Dr. Toogbabu. He believes that continued mentorship, exposure, and institutional support will be crucial in achieving this goal.

Dr. Toogbabu's journey towards leading cervical cancer care in Sierra Leone is a testament to the impact of collaborative training initiatives. With her growing skills and experience, she intends to make a meaningful contribution to cervical cancer prevention and oncology services in Sierra Leone and beyond. Her story highlights the importance of sustained support and mentorship in building local capacity for specialized healthcare services.

Key points

• Dr. Rosalitta Jaida Toogbabu receives training through Sierra Leone's Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative.