By Sulaiman Jalloh
In an effort to complement efforts of government, Sonoco Sierra Leone has launched a breast cancer awareness campaign aiming at sensitizing citizens and residents of Wellington, east end of Freetown about breast cancer its protection and treatment. During the event, Saweda Deen, Human Resource Manager at SONOCO while welcoming attendees said that the occasion was special and that it deals with breast cancer. “Raising health awareness is extremely vital to save lives,” she said while thanking everyone who graced the occasion.
Mark Pritchard General Manager, Sonoco Sierra Leone said that his company is Guinean owned and that it has invested greatly in Sierra Leone while emphasizing the impact of breast cancer on many people’s lives. “If we can help everyone to know the impact of breast cancer, then the company has achieved its mandate,” he underscored, adding that it is part of his company’s Cooperate Social Responsibility (CRS). He reminded attendees that October is a month of breast cancer awareness, noting that his company has taken the initiative to sensitize the people in that part of the city.
Hon. Unpha Sorie Gbassay Koroma of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party representing the people from that end said that ‘prevention is cheaper than cure’, noting that preventing the breast cancer early would be better while thanking the company for the occasion. He also thanked government for granting SONOCO to invest in the country.
Health Sister of Well Women Clinic Adijatu Salam, who taught the attendees about the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer urged women to take precautionary measures and to do early treatment if they noticed any signs of breast cancer. She added that Sierra Leoneans should take care of themselves by visiting the hospital regularly.
Speaking on behalf of the community Mr. Thaimu Bangura thanked SONOCO Sierra Leone for the awareness, something he described as very laudable. A number of women were screened after the awareness, at no cost; marking the end of the activity.