Sierra Leone has made a noteworthy leap forward in its fight against cervical cancer, thanks to a two-week South-South collaboration with Zambia, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in November 2024. 

The Ministry of Health’s Reproductive Health and Family Planning program trained 60 healthcare providers—including obstetrician-gynecologists, medical officers, midwives, and surgical clinical officers, —on the latest screening and treatment methods for cervical cancer. This training, which was delivered by experts from Zambia, focused on essential techniques such as Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), thermal ablation, Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), and the highly significant radical hysterectomy for advanced cases.

"This training has been pivotal in expanding cervical cancer services nationwide, particularly through radical hysterectomy, which fills a critical treatment gap," said Dr. Francis Moses, National Program Manager for Sexual and Reproductive Health.   

The training is part of Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to expand cervical cancer services from five to all 16 districts, expanding access for women in both rural and urban areas, integrating cervical cancer screening into routine healthcare services. Already, 15 screening centres have been established, and over 13,000 women have been screened and treated, helping to reduce the incidence of advanced disease through early detection.

Dr. Princess Mina Hussein, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Port Loko Regional Hospital, shared, "This training reminds us of how far we've come. The integration of advanced treatments like thermal ablation and LEEP is saving lives. At Port Loko Regional Hospital, we’re seeing more women seeking screening and early treatment, which is a direct result of growing awareness and access." 

The inclusion of radical hysterectomy training is particularly transformative. Previously, women with advanced stages of cervical cancer had limited treatment options, often seeking care abroad. Now, with the availability of equipment and skilled professionals to perform radical hysterectomy in Sierra Leone, patients can have access to life-saving treatment option, reducing the need for costly international travel.

Professor Groesbeck Parham, Senior Clinical Expert for the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative at WHO, highlighted the success of the collaboration: " What happened in Sierra Leone is a prime example of what can be achieved through South-South collaborations when participants are skilled, eager to learn, and deeply committed to making a difference. "Healthcare workers are now better equipped to detect and treat precancers, and gynecologic surgeons have successfully performed complex procedures to treat invasive cases. These activities were made possible by the generous donation of equipment for cervical cancer screening and treatment by Friends of Africa, Inc." 

While the training represents significant progress, there are still considerable challenges to overcome. The high costs associated with pathology services and surgical procedures, coupled with the lack of radiotherapy within Sierra Leone, continue to pose significant barriers for women seeking treatment. Many patients requiring advanced treatment modalities must seek care in other countries, incurring high out-of-pocket expenses. Dr. Moses highlighted the ongoing challenges: "These barriers force many women to seek care abroad at great financial and emotional cost. While this training represents progress, addressing these challenges will require sustained commitment and resource mobilization. With continued support from our partners and a focus on innovation, we can overcome these hurdles and work towards eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat in Sierra Leone."

Dr. Hussein is optimistic about the future: "With continued training and community engagement, I’m confident we can eliminate cervical cancer as a major threat to women’s health in our country. This training is a significant step toward making that goal a reality."

The partnership with Zambia, alongside support from the WHO and Friends of Africa, Inc., has not only expanded the country’s capacity to treat cervical cancer but has also demonstrated the power of South-South collaboration in achieving meaningful and sustainable change in global health.

The path ahead is clear: with continued training, resource mobilization, and government commitment, Sierra Leone can eliminate cervical cancer as a leading cause of death for women and set an example for the rest of Africa. As Dr. Moses concludes, "Together, we are building a foundation that will not only save lives but also create a model for other countries to follow."