By Kemo Cham
Healthcare campaigners, particularly those rooting for affordable cancer treatment, have hailed the cabinet approval of funds for the construction of the much anticipated Cancer Treatment Center in Sierra Leone.
News about the cabinet decision was made public by President Julius Maada Bio on Thursday as part of his State Opening of Parliament address.
“In line with my commitment to establishing an ultra-modern diagnostic facility in Sierra Leone, I am pleased to announce to this House that Cabinet has approved $19.8 Million for the construction of a National Diagnostic and Radiotherapy Cancer Treatment Centre with modern facilities,” the president said, noting that the move will “substantially” reduce costs on overseas medical expenditure and broaden access to more Sierra Leoneans.
Cancer is a growing public health concern for Sierra Leone which records over 2000 cases of the abnormal cellular growth disease yearly.
Breast cancer is one of the most predominant forms of cancers in the country. The Thinking Pink Breast Foundation, a charity that provides support for cancer victims, have been campaigning for the last eight years for the establishment of treatment center in the country.
Cremelda Parkinson Pratt, Founder and Director of Thinking Pink, who described as a “great news” the president’s announcement, took to her social media account to praise the development.
She told Politico that it’s a fulfilment of years of advocacy by her organization and others.
“After 8 years of advocacy, our president and his Government has made our dream come true,” she said.
“As a Foundation, this is so timely and a blessing for every Sierra Leonean. We cannot thank our President H.E. Dr Julius Maada Bio, our dynamic First Lady, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and our Government enough...This is great news for Cancer patients & Beneficiaries amidst COVID-19,” she added.
Thinking Pink provides information to the public about breast cancer and related health issues and it provides clinical breast examination. It also sources funds to support the financially challenged with their treatment options.
Despite their meager resources, some of the Foundation’s patients come from across the border in neighboring Liberia and Guinea, pointing to the huge need for cancer treatment facilities in the region.
The Foundation has handled a lot of cases, some of which have sought overseas treatment.
Ms Pratt narrated the difficulties many of these patients go through trying to raise the required funds and, when they are lucky to secure them, the struggle they face abroad.
Ghana and India are the most popular destinations for Sierra Leoneans seeking treatment for cancer related cases abroad.
Pratt said some of these people come back dead because they couldn’t detect their cancer early enough.
“For too long, as you are aware, patients have to travel to Korle Bu, Accra, Tata Memorial Hospital (Ghana), India, or other countries overseas! Some sadly came back in body bags...Some made it. Hence the importance of Early Detection,” she stated.
The Thinking Pink boss hopes the center will serve as a hub for the sub region. She also hopes that the coming of the center will open up opportunities for funding for the Foundation’s projects.
“Our vision is for every Sierra Leonean to gain access for Information on their Breast Health status through Clinical Breast Examination and in return, we source funds to support the financially challenged with their treatment options,” she said.
Ms Pratt also praised First Lady Fatima Bio for her efforts in providing opportunity for cancer patients in the country. She cited the collaborative efforts between the First Lady’s office and the international charity Merck Foundation, which provided a scholarship program for healthcare workers to undergo specialized training in Oncology in India and Egypt. One of the beneficiaries of that scholarship scheme was a cancer survivor and a nurse, Kadijah Konneh, who went through the Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation.
She has since returned as the first Oncology Nurse in Sierra Leone and working at the Connaught Hospital, according to Parkinson.
Miss Bio has also championed the campaign for the establishment of the cancer center.
Copyright © 2020 Politico Online
