By Sallieu S. Kanu
November 18, 2025: Deputy Minister of Health II, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, has announced Sierra Leone’s strong commitment to eliminating cervical cancer, as the country joined the world in observing the first-ever Global Cervical Cancer Action Day on November 17, 2025.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing in Freetown, Dr. Mustapha explained that cervical cancer, caused by the Human PapillomaVirus (HPV) and primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse, continues to pose a major health challenge in Sierra Leone. The disease affects more than 500 women annually, with a fatality rate of 70 percent.
National Vaccination Drive
Since the launch of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy in 2023, Sierra Leone has vaccinated over 500,000 girls. The Ministry has also integrated cervical cancer “Maklate” services into routine healthcare. On November 17, 2025, the Ministry rolled out a new campaign targeting one million girls aged 11–18 for HPV vaccination. Dr. Mustapha emphasized that the vaccine is up to 90 percent effective when administered before exposure.
Expansion of Screening Services
Between January and November 2025, the Ministry established 24 cervical cancer screening sites across the Western Area and in all district government hospitals. Free screening services are now available at key facilities including PCMH Hospital, Kingharman Road Hospital, Ross Road Community Health Centre, Murray Town CHC, Jui Hospital, Regent CHC, and Lakka Ogu Farm CHC.
Dr. Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that prevention, vaccination, and screening services are accessible nationwide, underscoring Sierra Leone’s role in the global fight against cervical cancer.