On November 13 in the north of Libreville, the Prime Minister, Raymond Ndong Sima, the Minister of Health, Professor Adrien Mougougou and other cancer fighters officially launching the Blue November campaign with a symbolic hand gesture © Gabonactu.com
The Prime Minister of the Transition, Raymond Ndong Sima, launched on Wednesday November 13, 2024 in the north of Libreville, the 5th edition of Novembre Bleu, campaign dedicated to activities to fight against male cancers, in particular prostate which is the first cancer among men in Gabon and the most common with an incidence of 8.1% and a mortality of 6.3%.
“Yes, there are a lot of prejudices among us men, but we need to invest a lot, a lot in screening, it’s essential for a healthy life”declared Mr. Ndong Sima, officially launching the activities of the blue campaign throughout the territory on behalf of the President of the Transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, sponsor of the event.
The Head of Government did not fail to call on men to invest in hospital centers throughout the month of November to get tested. Just like the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, Professor Adrien Mougougou, made it clear that early detection of this disease, described as a “silent killer”, makes it possible to cure it.
“To all men, I say: don’t wait for the disease to strike you to act, get tested regularly. Tets are simple, non-invasive and, above all, they can save lives,” he said.
The 5th November Nleu edition is organized under the theme: “let’s break the taboos” with the slogan: “screening, the gesture that saves”.
To carry out this fight, the Prime Minister proceeded with the symbolic handover of the Ultrasound Probe for the Urology department of the Libreville University Hospital Center (CHUL).
Camille Boussoughou
2024-11-13 15:15:00
#official #launch #awareness #campaign #early #prostate #detection
**Interview with Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima on the Launch of Blue November Campaign**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Ndong Sima. You recently launched the 5th edition of the Blue November campaign in Libreville. Can you tell us why this campaign is so significant?
**Prime Minister Ndong Sima:** Thank you for having me. The Blue November campaign is crucial in our fight against male cancers, particularly prostate cancer, which has the highest incidence among men in Gabon. With an incidence rate of 8.1% and a mortality rate of 6.3%, it is imperative that we raise awareness and encourage early screening.
**Editor:** You mentioned the importance of screening. What are some of the common prejudices among men that you believe need to be addressed?
**Prime Minister Ndong Sima:** Yes, there are indeed many prejudices. Many men feel that seeking medical help is a sign of weakness or that cancer is not something they need to worry about. It’s essential to emphasize that early detection saves lives. We need to shift this mindset and promote the idea that taking care of one’s health is a sign of strength and responsibility.
**Editor:** How do you envision the impact of the Blue November campaign on public awareness and health-seeking behavior?
**Prime Minister Ndong Sima:** Our goal is to engage men across the country and inspire them to take action regarding their health. By organizing awareness activities and providing access to screenings, we aim to demystify cancer and encourage men to be proactive. With the support of the Ministry of Health and various organizations, we hope to make significant strides in reducing the incidence and mortality of male cancers.
**Editor:** As the sponsor of this campaign, what measures are being taken to ensure its success throughout the country?
**Prime Minister Ndong Sima:** We are mobilizing resources and collaborating with health professionals to conduct outreach programs in various regions. This includes community workshops, free screening initiatives, and informational campaigns aimed at educating men on the importance of prostate health. We are committed to carrying this message far and wide, ensuring everyone has access to the necessary information and services.
**Editor:** Thank you, Prime Minister Ndong Sima, for sharing your insights. We appreciate your dedication to this important cause.
**Prime Minister Ndong Sima:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against cancer.