On Tuesday, 25th March 2025, the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry (WAMFD), a coalition of consumer, dental, health, environmental, and community-based development organizations, officially launched its Sierra Leone chapter at the Council of Churches Sierra Leone (CCSL), located on King Harman Road, Freetown, with the theme, “Phase out the use of dental amalgam.”

During the launch, Mr. Charles Mambu, the country lead and chairman of the WAMFD-Sierra Leone Chapter, emphasized that this milestone marks Sierra Leone’s entry into the global movement, joining over 60 countries worldwide in establishing a chapter dedicated to campaigning for the phase-out of mercury use in all human activities, particularly in dental care.

Mr. Mambu explained that the global alliance was formed following the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a treaty aimed at reducing mercury pollution, including its use in dentistry, mining, agriculture, water, consumer products, and more.

He highlighted that Sierra Leone ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury on November 1, 2016, and the treaty entered into force on August 16, 2017. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Sierra Leone serves as the national focal point for the convention, overseeing the country’s commitments to reducing mercury usage, including in dental practices.

Patrick Maada Bundu, a representative from the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), stated that Sierra Leone is committed to protecting public health by reducing and controlling mercury use, particularly in healthcare and other areas where exposure may occur.

He pointed out that the NPHA recognizes the significant health and environmental risks posed by mercury exposure, which can cause severe health effects, including neurological and developmental disorders, especially in children and pregnant women.

“Against this backdrop, the agency supports training for healthcare workers on the safe handling and disposal of mercury-containing waste, conducts surveillance to monitor exposure risks, and collaborates with regulatory bodies to strengthen policies that align with international health and environmental standards, such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury,” Patrick stated.

Bockrie Pompay Sesay, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed that WHO strongly advocates for the phase-out and elimination of mercury use, particularly in health, mining, and industrial applications, due to its severe health and environmental risks.

He emphasized that WHO is a key partner in implementing the Minamata Convention, a global treaty aimed at reducing mercury pollution. He added that the convention bans or restricts mercury in various industries, including artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), and supports countries in transitioning to mercury-free alternatives in mining and healthcare.