By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Sierra Leone has taken a significant step towards protecting public health and the environment by launching the Mercury-Free Dentistry, Sierra Leone Chapter under the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry (WAMFD) with the theme: "Phase out the Use of Dental Amalgam". The event, held at the CCSL Hall on King Harman Road in Freetown, marks the country’s commitment to phasing out mercury use in dental practices and aligns with global efforts under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

The launch brought together key stakeholders, including Government representatives, environmental advocates, healthcare professionals and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to discuss the dangers of mercury use in dentistry and the pathway toward sustainable, mercury-free alternatives.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from mercury emissions, came into force on August 16, 2017. Sierra Leone ratified the convention on November 1, 2016, obligating the country to adopt measures to reduce and eventually eliminate mercury usage.

Dental amalgam, a common filling material containing approximately 50% mercury, has been widely used for over 150 years. However, growing evidence suggests that mercury exposure poses serious health and environmental risks. Mercury contamination threatens aquatic life, food chains and ecosystems while also affecting human health, particularly among children, pregnant women and dental professionals.

The Mercury-Free Dentistry, Sierra Leone Chapter is part of a global movement advocating for safer alternatives, such as composite resins and glass ionomer materials. These materials are not only effective but also environmentally friendly, aligning with Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable development and public health protection.

Delivering the keynote address, Joseph Turay, a representative of the Environment Protection Agency-Sierra Leone (EPA-SL), emphasized the importance of coordination and collaboration in tackling environmental challenges.

“As you are aware, environmental issues are cross-cutting. That is why coordination and collaboration are core to EPA's mandate as stated in Part III, Section 12(2)(e) of the EPA Act 2022. The Agency is collaborating with CSOs to establish such a brilliant alliance to Make Mercury History,” he stated.

He stressed that Sierra Leone’s membership in the Minamata Convention places a responsibility on the nation to ensure full compliance, including phasing down dental mercury use. He also urged stakeholders to adopt the Abuja Declaration, which encourages African nations to implement proven amalgam phase-down strategies.

“With great pride and optimism, we gather today to launch the Sierra Leone Chapter of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry. This initiative is a firm step towards a safer and brighter future for all. It is not just about oral health but also about protecting public health, the environment and future generations from mercury exposure,” he added.

Charles Mambu, Country Lead and Chairman of WAMFD-SL, underscored the significance of Sierra Leone joining over 60 other countries in the global push to phase out mercury in dental care.

“The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry is a coalition of consumer, dental, health and environmental organizations working together to eliminate dental amalgam worldwide. Our mission includes setting national objectives to minimize and eliminate amalgam use, raising public awareness, updating dental school curricula and advocating for an end to mercury-based fillings in children and pregnant women,” Charles Mambu stated.

He highlighted that the decision to establish the Sierra Leone Chapter was reached after a series of consultations in September 2024 with representatives from the Global Alliance, the EPA-SL and key CSOs.

“As a chapter, we will accelerate efforts toward phasing out mercury in all forms through advocacy, partnerships with Government institutions, NGOs, communities, health bodies and the media. We will also work to ensure that mercury-free alternatives are affordable and accessible,” he asserted.

He concluded by saluting Charlie G. Brown, the Global President of the Alliance, for his dedication to the cause and for supporting Sierra Leone’s inclusion in the global campaign.

The discussion also featured key contributions from healthcare professionals and international organizations.

Idriss Kamara, Head of the Oral Health Department at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged that while dental amalgam has been widely used due to its durability, the mercury content makes it hazardous.

“Amalgam itself is not inherently bad, but the mercury in it is what poses risks. Over time, it can affect the teeth and bones, leading to complications such as fistula,” he explained.

He stressed that while transitioning away from amalgam is necessary, the Government and stakeholders must ensure that alternatives are cost-effective, affordable and widely accessible to all Sierra Leoneans. Idriss Kamara urged organizations to advocate for policies that make mercury-free materials available in both urban and rural areas.

Speaking on behalf of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Patrick Maada Bundu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with the Government and stakeholders to mitigate the risks of mercury exposure.

“We are fully aware of the health and environmental threats posed by mercury. That is why we are working in close coordination with the Government, international partners and advocates to eliminate this hazard from our dental practices and other sectors,” Maada Bundu said.

He added that the NPHA is committed to ensuring that public awareness campaigns and regulatory measures are effectively implemented to phase out mercury use across all industries.

Bockarie Sesay, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the global efforts to combat mercury exposure and emphasized the need for healthcare worker training.

“The WHO has been supporting the Minamata Convention since its adoption in 2013. We have played a key role in reducing mercury risks, not only in dentistry but also in mining, agriculture and consumer products,” he stated.

He urged the Government to invest in training healthcare workers to recognize, diagnose and treat mercury-related health conditions also emphasizing the need for increased surveillance and monitoring to track mercury exposure levels in communities.

The launch of Mercury-Free Dentistry, Sierra Leone Chapter, marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward a mercury-free future. With support from national and international stakeholders, Sierra Leone is now positioned to transition towards safer dental practices that protect both human health and the environment.

As the country moves forward, collaboration among Government agencies, healthcare institutions, civil society groups and the media will be crucial in ensuring the success of the initiative.

With a clear commitment to change, Sierra Leone is ready to stand as a leader in West Africa in eliminating dental mercury use and advocating for a cleaner, healthier future. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/world-alliance-for-mercury-free-dentistry-sierra-leone-chapter-launched/