President Wavel Ramkalawan officially  launched the National Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign, a joint event organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs during a ceremony held, this morning at the Savoy Resort.

Delivering his address to launch the campaign, President Ramkalawan stressed on the critical importance of prevention and early detection whilst urging men to come forward for regular screenings and tests.  

The Minister for Employment and Social Affairs stated that according to the World Health Organization, prostate cancer is one of the most common type of cancers recorded worldwide. Highlighting how crucial this campaign is  she stated that in 2020 alone, more than 1.4 million cases of prostate cancer were detected worldwide making it the third most common cancer type for 2020 preceded only by lung and co-lo-rectal cancer.

“Our Seychellois men have not been spared from the global trends. In 2018, 127 cancer cases were detected out of which 49% were prostate cancer. In 2019, the figures increased to 136 cancer cases in total for men but a lesser 23% cases represented prostate cancer. This type of cancer is most prevalent in male aged 50 years and above but it is unfortunate to note that such cases have also been detected in younger persons” said Minister Francourt

The ceremony also featured a presentation and testimony by Archbishop French Chang-Him as a cancer survivor as well as a presentation by Health professionals which  included Nurse, Gina Laporte, Dr. Joshua Gopal and theatre Nurse June Jean.

During her closing remarks the Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs Rose-Marie Hoareau thanked the President for his presence at today's event which demonstrates the Government’s commitment at the highest level. She launched an appeal to all the relevant partners interested in collaborating to further raise awareness of Prostate Cancer to come forward and join forces for the betterment of not only the male community but also the loved ones and families affected. 

The event saw the participation of the men from Government, Parastatal and Private Sectors as part of efforts to openly discuss and raise awareness on Prostate Cancer. 

Also present was the Vice-President, Mr Ahmed Afif, Ministers, the Mayor of Victoria, and other distinguished guests.