Asi Ukpo Hospital and the Christian Central Chapel International Calabar (CCCI) have embraced the global initiative ‘Movember’ to raise awareness about men’s health issues, including mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Tribune Online reports that every November, men in the UK and Australia grow moustaches to participate in this campaign, which is endorsed by various charities and notable public figures to help raise funds for these important issues. Movember 2024 will run from November 1st to November 30th.
Addressing journalists during the medical outreach, Mercy Njoku, Event and Outreach Manager at Asi Ukpo Hospital emphasised that Movember is the only global charity entirely dedicated to men’s health. She pointed out that many men often neglect their health, focusing instead on providing for their families.
“Men typically resist addressing health concerns. In contrast, women actively participate in outreach efforts. There’s a masculinity aspect that leads men to keep their struggles private. Despite our awareness efforts, such as sending a town crier, we still saw lower turnout than expected, as this attitude impacted participation,” she stated.
Njoku urged men to prioritise their health, noting that many suffer sudden health crises, such as heart failure, often exacerbated by lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption and a lack of medical check-ups.
She encouraged them to take advantage of health initiatives to ensure a longer life and better care for their families, noting that it be an annual event with plans to expand the program annually for men’s health awareness.
Dr. Saviour Eze, the head of the medical team at CCCI, highlighted that men often perceive neglect during medical outreach programs, but this isn’t the case. He explained that the church acknowledges the importance of addressing physical health issues through qualified medical professionals.
“Our bishop, Emmah Isong, prays for healing but also encourages individuals to seek proper medical care for physical ailments,” he added.
Dr Eze noted that even though the turnout was lower than anticipated, he was pleased that those who attended gained valuable insights about prostate cancer through discussions with experts. He assured that the church would continue spreading awareness, including during their national conventions.
During the outreach, Dr Odezi Fidelis Otobo, a consultant urologist at UCTH, discussed general health topics with participants, warning them to heed symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, and urination issues.
The event featured free medical check-ups, treatment for participants, and referrals when necessary.
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