Program with Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH)

Three members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mrs. Vivat Thomas-Njie, Dr Momodou Jasseh and Mr. Julius Freeman, paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH), Dr Mariatou Jallow.

During the brief meeting, the Chairperson presented the CEO with a letter of introduction of the Foundation, and also briefly described its aims and objects, which among other things, include raising awareness of cancer in the community and giving support to people living with cancer. She further mentioned that the RVTH, being the Government hospital and main carer of people living with cancer in the community, the foundation would like to collaborate with them in this area of health care delivery.

The RVTH CEO in return outlined the hospital’s programme of activities with respect to cancer, and emphasized to the FDNF delegation that they focus mainly on palliative care. She lamented the fact that they do not have any active screening for cases such as cervical and other forms of common cancers, and hoped that with more collaborators on board, such activities could be possible in the hospital in the near future.

Dr Jallow further suggested that a meeting of the Foundation Representatives with the Heads of the various departments working with cancer cases in the hospital be arranged, thus enabling the Foundation to identify the key players on the ground. She advised the Chairperson to stay in touch with her to arrange such a meeting.

A follow-up meeting took the form of a consultation between the Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and the FDNF Chairperson at the Gynecology ward of the RVTH. The Head of Department expressed great interest in the work of the Foundation and suggested that we could help with the provision of some equipment and supplies for the Gynecology clinic. The Foundation is studying that request and will make a presentation as soon as the necessary equipment are procured.