By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

Over one decade, Adama Bangura-Sheriff, a Psychologist and disability advocate based in the United States of America (USA) has been advocating for persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone as health expert and humanitarian.

On Friday, August 9th 2024, Team Adama foundation held a day health training session for Sierra Leone Deaf Association (SLAD) on cancer, stroke, diabetes, seizures (epilepsis), communicable diseases, STDs and disability inclusion at the Ministry of Social Welfare Conference hall, New England in Freetown.

In her presentation, Adama Bangura-Sheriff deliberated on the objectives and preventive methods of taking care of one self, adding that that could be done with regular exercise lasting for for 30 minutes, and working every day could boost one’s health, eating healthily and taking regular meals while staying up hydrated could also help to boost one’s growth and well-being.

She talked  cancer  sequences and that it can occur at any age on the live of human , but she said, the risk is mostly noticed as people get older.

Though, she said, some woman may have a  greater chance of having breast cancer, citing that colon cancer is caused by stool-based tests, screening tests for colorectal cancer and others, but she said, such are preventable.

But, testicular cancers are hypospadias and could be traced by one’s personal or family history and with those with HIV infection and AIDS.

Men’s cancer could be caused by having one closer relative affected by it and when the prostate increases a man’s risk having prostate cancer.

Madam Bangura-sheriff stated that reducing cancer risk could be done through eating more nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables. Moreover, she warned also on the effects of heart attacks which sometimes could lead to rupture from the clot blood which flow can damage or destroy part of the heart if there is are no quick responses.

“My goal is to promote persons with disability, create awareness on stroke, cancer and communicable diseases and its prevention at all time in the country, ” she said.

According to the National Coordinator of Epilepsis Sierra Leone, Mask Bangura, he said the training was apt and timely, adding that the workshop will create more impacts on the folks to knowing about their energy status. “Living no one behind, we believe in the talents and hardwork of madam Adama and team. We believe also that disability is not in ability” he said.

Mohamed Dauda Faro, specialist in epilepsis and disability prevention encouraged folks to grab the opportunity and implement the training well, adding that they should be able to take care of themselves when there are physical heath challenges within their communities, thus admitting that cancer and  other STDs are communicable diseases and they are not good for human health.

Saffinatu Dumbuya, a beneficiary told this medium that woman should focus on health care preventions, noting that woman must only use rest room with water and soap after using the rest rooms.

“Team Adama Foundation raises awareness on heath for people with special needs. Adama Foundation is a credible organisation operating in the country over the years.”

“We will educate our family and community folks regarding preventions of diabetes, STDS, CPR and others diseases, “she said.

Osman Amadu Fofanah, a member of Sierra Leone Deaf Association express thanked and appreciated Team Adama Foundation for their suitable intervention and solidarity towards the needy especially the physical challenged.

He called on government and well-meaning Sierra Leoneans to support the dream, vision, and ambition of the foundation.

“Adama Bangura-Sheriff is an ambassador for persons with disability in the world. Despite the challenges SLDA is benefiting hugely, she is here with us, ” he remarked.