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 strategies does Dr. Louma Eyougha use to convey the dangers of substance abuse to students?
## Interview with Dr. Alphonse Louma Eyougha
**Host:** Welcome to the show, Dr. Louma. It seems drug and alcohol awareness is a top priority for you, particularly amongst Gabon’s youth. Can you tell us about your recent visits to high schools in Libreville?
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:**
Absolutely. My NGO, “Agir pour le Gabon,” is committed to informing young people about the dangers of substance abuse. This week alone, I’ve visited several schools, including Lycée d’Awéndjé, Berthe and Jean, and Paul Indjendje Gondjout. My aim is to expose students to the realities of drugs like “stone” and “kobolo,” as well as alcohol and tobacco, which are sadly prevalent in our society.
**Host:** What are some of the key messages you are trying to convey to these students?
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:** The consequences of substance abuse are severe, especially for young, developing minds and bodies. I stress that starting smoking early in adulthood triples the risk of poisoning and death. We discuss the direct link between substance use and serious health issues like lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and tuberculosis. I also highlight the impact on reproductive health, particularly for pregnant women, mentioning the risks of ectopic pregnancies and premature births.
**Host:** You mentioned that addiction can lead to criminal behavior. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:**
Absolutely. Substance abuse often leads to addiction, which can hijack the brain, creating a powerful craving for the drug. This can tragically lead individuals down a path of engaging in criminal activities like theft, robbery, and even violence, simply to fuel their addiction.
**Host:** What kind of response are you getting from students?
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:** It varies, but generally, the students are receptive and engaged. We encourage open dialogue and Q&A sessions. Some admit to experimenting with substances, while others are genuinely concerned about the risks. I believe these awareness campaigns are crucial in empowering young people to make informed choices.
**Host:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Dr. Louma. What can our listeners do to help support your cause?
**Dr. Louma Eyougha:** Spreading awareness is key! Talk to your children, nieces, nephews, and community members. Encourage open discussions about substance abuse. Support organizations like “Agir pour le Gabon”, who are actively working on the front lines. Together, we can create a healthier future for Gabon’s youth.
