The president of the NGO “Agir pour le Gabon” and Senator of the Transition, Dr Alphonse Louma Eyougha, continued this Wednesday, the series of his awareness campaigns against the harmful effects induced by the consumption of drugs, alcohol and tobacco precisely by children attending secondary schools in Greater Libreville. Today’s stage concerned the brand new Lycée d’Awéndjé, located opposite the SME Building, district known as B2, in the 4th district of Libreville; after the stages of the Lycées Berthe and Jean and Paul Indjendje Gondjout.
To the attention of the students, the president of the NGO ”Act for Gabon” made a point of introducing them to the different types of tobacco, drugs and alcohol that circulate abundantly around them, namely: stone, kobolo, mandé, cigarettes, liqueurs and beers, etc. .
All these hard and soft drugs have harmful effects on human health, especially in the lives of young people, he said. “People who start smoking early into adulthood and do not quit are three times more likely to be poisoned and die than their non-smoking counterparts”warned Dr Louma.
The different diseases and genes caused by the consumption of these alcohols, drugs and narcotics among these young people are lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis and reduced sexual abilities.
For pregnant women, they are even more exposed to aggravating circumstances, particularly with tobacco consumption which is said to be responsible for ectopic pregnancies, that is to say, the fetus does not implant in the right place. The risk of miscarriage early in pregnancy is three times higher.
Tobacco is a cause of premature birth, we have learned. And what’s more, the combination of alcohol and tobacco causes the risk of developing certain cancers (mouth, throat, esophagus), warned the president of the NGO ”Act for Gabon” who urged students to be vigilant, cautious and abstinence.
“When young people start consuming alcohol and tobacco from a young age to the age of 25, little by little they become slaves, let’s say they develop an addiction to the brain and become thieves, robbers, rapists and big-time bandits. path “was alarmed by Dr Alphonse Louma Eyougha, in his dual capacity as an addictologist and head of the Alia and Zéida detoxification center, located not far from the Ozangué clinic, in the 5th arrondissement of Libreville.
“It was a question for these students to understand the risks to which they are exposed by consuming alcohol and tobacco”concluded Dr Louma at the end of this awareness session at the Awéndjé High School where each of the students left with a diploma of excellence and good conduct.
Dr Louma finally appealed to the parents of students by inviting them not to play the ”dungeons” when they discover that their children are using alcohol and drugs. The right attitude is to confide and quickly approach the resource people and centers indicated to get help, before the child falls into addiction, he recommended.
Gabon tops the African countries studied with an average of 9.01 liters of pure alcohol per year and per inhabitant over 15 years old. WHO figures for 2023 reveal that the smoking rate in Gabon reaches 2.5% among women and 2.2% among men. Although this prevalence remains lower than international averages, consumption is increasing and the country is struggling to prevent this development and provide care for smokers with appropriate treatments.
Féeodora Madiba and Frida Dodo
2024-11-27 17:53:00
#Louma #sounds #alarm #warns #students #Awéndjé #High #School
What measures are being implemented or proposed to address the rising abuse of ”kobolo” and other drugs in Gabon, and how effective have they been?
## Interview with Dr. Alphonse Louma Eyougha on the Dangers of “Kobolo” and Other Drugs
**Interviewer:**
Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Louma Eyougha. You’ve been travelling to schools across Libreville warning students about the dangers of drug abuse. Can you tell us more about the situation?
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:**
The situation is very concerning. We are seeing an alarming increase in the abuse of various substances among young people. Substances like “kobolo,” which is a powerful painkiller often mixed with soda or alcohol, are readily available and being consumed by schoolchildren.
**Interviewer:**
What are the dangers of these substances, particularly “kobolo?”
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:**
All these drugs, whether hard or soft, have devastating consequences for young people’s health.
“Kobolo,” for example, is highly addictive and can lead to serious health problems, including organ damage.
We are also seeing an increase in cases of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and tuberculosis linked to tobacco and drug use.
**Interviewer:**
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:**
Yes, the impact is especially worrying for pregnant women. Tobacco use increases the risk of ectopic pregnancies and miscarriage, while alcohol and drug use can lead to premature birth and developmental issues in infants.
**Interviewer:**
What message are you trying to convey to students during your visits?
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:**
I want them to understand the serious consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. My message is clear:
Abstinence is the best way to protect their health and future. It’s crucial for them to make responsible choices and seek help if they are struggling with addiction.
**Interviewer:**
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:**
We need a multifaceted approach. We need better education and awareness programs in schools, stricter regulations on the sale of these substances, and increased access to addiction treatment services. Most importantly, we need parents, teachers and communities to work together to protect our youth.
**Interviewer:**
Thank you for sharing your insights and for your work in combating this critical issue.
**Dr Louma Eyougha:** Thank you for having me.