For 43-year-old Ramatulai Kamara, a mother of four, the journey with cervical cancer began four years ago when she started experiencing severe bleeding. She sought help at multiple health facilities, seeing different doctors, but the eventual diagnosis brought devastating news: cervical cancer. “When I was finally told what was wrong with me, I cried. I was stressed, and many people said that cancer is deadly. I was also told that my only option was to go to Ghana for treatment, but I had no money for that. I was advised against using traditional remedies, or I would die,” she shared.

With no means to seek treatment abroad, Ramatulai’s only option was chemotherapy—the best available in Sierra Leone at the time. “After several scans, I started chemotherapy, and they told me I would lose my hair. It was a difficult time for me,” she recalled. Her outlook changed dramatically after undergoing a life-saving surgery she never anticipated, following her sixth chemotherapy session. “I am so happy for this opportunity. I feel grateful to everyone who was involved in making this happen for me.”

This transformative outcome was made possible through a South-South collaboration between Sierra Leone and Zambia, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). Sierra Leone recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone in its fight against cervical cancer: a successful radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy for early-stage cervical cancer (1B2) performed at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Freetown. This accomplishment not only signifies a turning point in cervical cancer care but also highlights the growing in-country capacity to handle complex cases.

Thanks to this collaboration and WHO’s support, gynecologic surgeons in Sierra Leone are now equipped to perform complex surgical procedures to treat early-stage cervical cancer. "This case has demonstrated that, with enough capacity building, our staff in Sierra Leone are capable of performing these complex procedures. They were eager and ready to learn, enthusiastically participating in the surgery," said Dr. Samson Chisele, a gynecologic oncologist from WHO Zambia.

Following Ramatulai’s surgery, two additional women in Sierra Leone underwent similar life-saving procedures, signaling hope for many more women across the country. This progress underscores the importance of training local clinicians and building a sustainable healthcare system capable of providing timely, high-quality care.

The surgeries are part of a broader initiative to expand cervical cancer treatment options in Sierra Leone. Donations of essential medical equipment—including instruments for radical hysterectomy, digital colposcopes, thermal coagulators, and LEEP machines—are ensuring that women can now access care within the country. “This training was critical for strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to treat cervical cancer, and the successful surgeries demonstrate the country’s ability to handle complex cases. It also aligns with the WHO’s cervical cancer elimination targets, contributing to the global 90-70-90 initiative,” remarked Dr. Michael Ezeanochie, Consultant Gynae Oncologist at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital.

Dr. Francis Moses, National Program Manager for the Ministry of Health’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough. “The introduction of radical hysterectomy into Sierra Leone's healthcare system is a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to improving women's health. By building local capacity and equipping our facilities, we are ensuring that women can access the care they need without leaving the country. 

For Ramatulai and others, these advancements represent a new chapter of hope. “I am truly grateful for the treatment and the opportunity to live a healthy life. I hope that more women in Sierra Leone can receive this kind of care,” she expressed.

"What happened in Sierra Leone is a prime example of what can be achieved through South-South collaboration, particularly when participants are skilled, eager to learn, and deeply committed to making a difference. The introduction of radical hysterectomy is particularly relevant as it closes an essential treatment gap for women with advanced cervical cancer, ensuring they receive the care they need right here in Sierra Leone," said Professor Groesbeck Parham, M.D., Senior Clinical Expert for the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative at WHO.

While significant progress has been made, challenges remain. Access to pathology services, high treatment costs, and the absence of radiotherapy options in Sierra Leone still hinder broader success. However, with continued capacity building, training, and international support, the country is making strides toward eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.