Sierra Leone launched a National Cancer Registry and the Sierra Leone Cancer Charity on 12 June 2012 in Freetown. Mr Mamoud Tarawallie, Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, launched the Registry and the Charity on behalf of H.E the President of the Republic.
Delivering the Presidential statement Mr Tarawallie acknowledged the joint effort of WHO and other partners in promoting the control of Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) including cancer in Sierra Leone. He said “the launch of the Charity and the Registry would be the beginning of the next phase to treating and eventually eradicating cancer in Sierra Leone”.
While delivery his key note address, Dr Kisito Daoh, the Chief Medical Officer, said that there is sufficient evidence that the burden of NCDs including cancer is high in Sierra Leone. A recent study conducted by the Ministry of Health and sanitation (MoHS) showed that 17% of Sierra Leonean adults consumes alcohol and 34% uses tobacco, which are some of the major risk factors of cancer. Dr Francis Nylander, Disease Prevention and Control Officer, delivery a WHO statement on behalf of the WHO Representative highlighted the increasing global and regional burden of NCDs including cancer and their risks factors. The statement expressed appreciation to the authorities and partners for the promising initiative of starting Cancer Registry and assured WHO’s support in their work.

This is the first Register for cancer patients and a Charity to advocate for the prevention and control of cancer in Sierra Leone. The Registry will facilitate the government’s effort to set up functional and sustainable services for Cancer Care and provide the basis for early diagnosis and treatment of the condition. It is also expected to enhance the collection of adequate information on the types of cancer and the burden of the disease in Sierra Leone. A 24-bed palliative care center for patients with terminal conditions including cancer patients donated by the former Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mr Solomon Berewa will also be operational in the coming months.

Head of the Cancer Registry, Dr Owizz Koroma requested additional support for developing the human resources to manage cancer patients, engage in research and surveillance.

The WHO has supported the establishment of the Cancer Registry technically and financially. WHO also pledged to continue its support to make the Registry fully functional in collaboration with other partners.

Sierra Leone Launches National Cancer Registry

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