Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in Sierra Leone and is now being treated as a public health emergency, like any other disease concerning the public’s health. Necessary structures are being established to address this as a priority. It is estimated that almost 4,708 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year with 3,389 deaths (Globalcan 2020). These deaths if diagnosed early can be preventable and lives will be saved.
Nonetheless, most cancer cases in Sierra Leone present at the very late stage when the disease is far advanced at the palliative stage due to limited knowledge of both the suffering and the healthcare workers, limited and or no access to early diagnostic and cancer services. There are limited treatment options (surgery and chemotherapy) and no radiotherapy service.
The limited human resources (qualified oncology staff), treatment, palliative care and medical equipment are factors affecting the quality, availability and affordability as a result, poor prognosis.
CANCER UK-SALONE is a registered charity with the UK Charity Commission to carry out its mandates both in the UK and Sierra Leone. Has a Service Level Agreement with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation Sierra Leone and registered with the Sierra Leone Association of Non- Government Organization (SLANGO).
ERNEST BAI KOROMA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: is one of the six public universities in Sierra Leone situated in the central Tonkolili District. Its Secretariat is strategically positioned along the Magburaka-Kono Highway. The university boasts campuses in three towns serving as district headquarters in the Northern region: Makeni (in Bombali), Port Loko (in Port Loko), and Magburaka (in Tonkolili).
The purpose of this MOU is to establish a collaborative relationship between Cancer UK- Salone and EBKUST to promote cancer research, education, and awareness in Sierra Leone.
The collaboration between Cancer UK-Salone and EBKUST will include but not be limited to, the following activities:
Conducting joint research on cancer in Sierra Leone.
Providing training and education on cancer prevention, screening, and treatment to students, Nursing Department, and the community.
Developing and implementing cancer awareness campaigns in Sierra Leone. d. Sharing knowledge and expertise on cancer-related issues.
Engaging in joint fundraising and grant applications to support cancer research and education in Sierra Leone.
