By Emma Black

Kadiatu Konneh, Sierra Leone’s only oncology-trained nurse, has issued a stark warning about the rising toll of cervical cancer among women in the country, describing it as a silent killer that is largely preventable but continues to claim lives due to late detection, cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure.

In an exclusive interview with The STEAM Reporting Network, Konneh explained that cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in Sierra Leone, with 504 new cases and 367 deaths recorded annually (2023 HPV and Related Cancers Fact Sheet). She stressed that the disease is highly treatable when detected early, yet many women present at advanced stages because of widespread misconceptions and barriers to screening

Many women think cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted disease or something shameful,” Konneh said. They feel embarrassed to open their private parts for examination, so they self-medicate or delay seeking help. By the time they reach Connaught Hospital, it is often too late.”

Konneh highlighted several contributing factors that is killing our sister, she said Lack of widespread screening programs and diagnostic equipment. Cultural taboos around gynecological examinations.   Limited public awareness about HPV (human papillomavirus), the primary cause of cervical cancer.   No national HPV vaccination programme for girls, despite global evidence showing vaccines prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers.High costs of treatment, forcing many families to seek care abroad (often in Ghana), which is unaffordable for most Sierra Leoneans.

She shared her own journey: trained through the Thinking Pink Sierra Leone initiative and later sponsored for advanced oncology training in India, Konneh became the country’s first and only oncology nurse. She lamented that even the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences lacks specialised training pathways for female nurses in cancer care, limiting the country’s capacity to respond effectively.

Cervical cancer is preventable. Vaccination exists for young girls before sexual activity begins, and screening can detect changes early, Konneh emphasized. But without investment in awareness campaigns, screening facilities, affordable treatment, and a national vaccination programme, we are losing far too many women.

She urged the government to prioritise cervical cancer in national health planning Introduce HPV vaccination for school-age girls, expand screening services in rural and urban clinics, train more oncology nurses and equip hospitals with modern diagnostic tools. Launch nationwide education campaigns in Krio and local languages to reduce stigma and promote early detection.

Konneh’s call comes amid growing concern over women’s health in Sierra Leone, where maternal mortality and reproductive cancers remain major challenges, with the right political will and investment, she believes the country can significantly reduce cervical cancer deaths.

The time for talk is over, Konneh concluded we need action now.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 4th February 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)