The Orange Foundation in Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), has initiated its 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness, Free Screening and Surgery Campaign. The campaign aims to reach over 5,000 women nationwide, providing them with essential screening, treatment, and educational services. This initiative was launched on October 3, 2026, with a significant awareness walk through Freetown's streets.
The awareness walk, spanning eight kilometers, began at the Cotton Tree and concluded at Kallon Car Park on Aberdeen Beach. The event drew together healthcare professionals, survivors, government officials, Orange employees, SLCB staff, and community members. The goal was to emphasize the importance of early breast cancer detection. Madam Aïcha Touré, Orange Sierra Leone's Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that the initiative focuses on saving lives by ensuring women have access to early diagnosis and treatment.
Since 2015, the Orange Foundation has been supporting breast cancer awareness and treatment initiatives in Sierra Leone. In 2025, over 2,500 women benefited from screening services. The Foundation now aims to double that impact by extending services to underserved communities. Touré encouraged women to undergo regular screenings and seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes, stressing that early detection is the best defense against the disease.
Professor Dr. Charles Senneh, Deputy Minister of Health One, representing the Government of Sierra Leone, commended Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and its partners for supporting national healthcare efforts. He emphasized that breast cancer screening is a critical component of preventive healthcare. The government is working to establish a modern cancer treatment center and expand mammography services to more parts of the country.
Dr. Isaac Olufemi Small, Head of the Oncology Unit at Connaught Hospital, provided a medical perspective, stating that breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early. He encouraged women to perform regular breast self-examinations and seek prompt medical attention if they notice unusual symptoms. Dr. Small also reminded the public that men can develop breast cancer and should seek medical care if necessary.
Ibrahim Tito Sankoh, Manager of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the wellbeing of communities across the country. The participation of SLCB staff in the awareness walk reflects the bank's dedication to supporting causes that improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans. Sankoh urged women to prioritize regular health check-ups.
The campaign, a partnership between government, healthcare professionals, private-sector institutions, and communities, aims to save lives and ensure that no woman loses her life to breast cancer due to lack of access to information, screening, or timely treatment. Thousands of women are expected to gain access to free screenings, treatment support, and critical health information through this initiative.
Key points
- The campaign aims to reach over 5,000 women across Sierra Leone with lifesaving screening, treatment, and education services.
- The Orange Foundation has supported breast cancer awareness and treatment initiatives across Sierra Leone since 2015.
- The government is working to establish a modern cancer treatment center and expand mammography services to more parts of the country.
