A scene at the event
The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and Bayer AG – a global enterprise have launched a Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign themed ‘Real Men ACT’ in Accra.
The Campaign being executed by The Little Cow Consulting Limited seeks to raise awareness on the issues of prostate cancer and conscientize men to prioritise and make informed decisions about their health.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Little Cow Consulting Limited, Abdul-Nasser Alidu said that the project seeks to reduce avoidable mortality and morbidity related to prostate cancer.
“We are looking generally at men, men aged 55 and above as well as gatekeepers such as the pharmacist, health care practitioners and traditional healers since our research shows that knowledge about prostate cancer amongst gatekeepers is low” he explained.
He noted that the campaign will be piloted in eight strategically chosen districts within Accra, and the districts are Accra Metropolitan, Ayawaso East, Weija-Gbawe, Ga West, Shai Osudoku, Ashiaman, KponeKatamanso, and Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly (LeKMA).
“Hopefully if it is successful and we can raise the needed awareness, then we can get the campaign funded to be expanded for the whole country” he said.
In addition to the awareness campaign, he stated that the project will also strengthen the capacities of healthcare professionals offering services at the primary and secondary levels of care.
Urologist and Kidney Transplant Surgeon at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Isaac Asiedu said that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer.
He stated that this is due to the lack of awareness about the risk factors, symptoms and importance of early detection of the cancer among the male population.
He indicated that there is also a lack of knowledge among community pharmacists and traditional healers as first points of contact for parts of the target group to interpret symptoms properly and make referrals to nearby health facilities.
The project has Reggie Rockstone as its campaign ambassador who will use his voice to raise awareness of the disease.
Reggie Rockstone urged men to get screened since it’s a simple test that can save their lives.
“Don’t wait. Get screened today. It is the best way to protect yourself from prostate cancer. Together we can save lives” he stressed.