Freetown, Sierra Leone — In a groundbreaking health initiative, the Sierra Leone Police Hospital has partnered with Cancer UK-Salone to conduct its first-ever free prostate cancer screening for police officers. The exercise aims to promote early detection and raise awareness about a disease that predominantly affects men aged 45 and above.
Addressing officers who participated in the screening, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dr. John Mumuneh Konteh, the Medical Superintendent of the Police Hospital, expressed gratitude to Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu for endorsing the initiative. “This is the first time our hospital has undertaken such a medical venture, a testament to how much the police hospital has evolved under IGP Sellu’s leadership,” Dr. Konteh remarked.
He urged officers to remain patient during the process, assuring them of swift, accurate tests conducted with the utmost confidentiality. “Your privacy is our priority,” he emphasized.
On behalf of Cancer UK-Salone, Madam Tina Davies, OBE, OOR, explained how her organization reached out to the Sierra Leone Police through Dr. Konteh. She praised IGP Sellu’s quick approval to facilitate the screening at the police hospital. “All results will be handled with the highest professionalism and confidentiality,” she assured.
Tina Davies, OBE, OOR, highlighted the impact of cancer, particularly noting that it predominantly affects Black men aged 45 and above. She outlined common symptoms of prostate cancer, including difficulty urinating, passing blood during urination, and loss of sexual activity. She emphasized that early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, noting that prostate cancer is among the most curable forms of the disease.
The event also included a question-and-answer session to address concerns before the screening commenced. The initiative underscores a proactive approach to men’s health within the Police and aims to foster greater awareness about prostate cancer’s preventability and curability.
The police hospital and Cancer UK-Salone expressed their gratitude to IGP Sellu for facilitating this vital health intervention, which is expected to serve as a model for future health initiatives within the SLP.
SLP Media Team
