The third edition of Togo's national campaign, Novembre Bleu, has officially started in Lomé, with a hybrid webinar. The initiative, led by web-magazine Bébé Trésor and Smart Group Togo, runs until November 30, 2026, under the theme "De la ville au village, agissons pour la santé masculine !" This year's focus is on rural communities. Christelle Agnindom, journalist and health activist, emphasized that Novembre Bleu aims to address male health, which often receives less attention than female and child health.
According to Agnindom, prostate cancer is a significant concern, often diagnosed late, leading to preventable deaths. She expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the initiative's launch in 2024, noting increased partner engagement and men's willingness to discuss their health and seek medical attention. The Plan Cancer Togo 2022-2025 reports that prostate cancer accounts for 18.5% of cancer cases in the country, with over 500 new cases diagnosed annually at Hôpital Dogta-Lafié.
Dr. Sokpoli Jule, a sexologist and health consultant, discussed risk factors for prostate cancer during the webinar. Unmodifiable factors include age, particularly after 60, and family history. Modifiable factors comprise diet, physical activity, and exposure to pesticides and air pollution. He advised men to recognize symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and blood in urine or semen, and recommended screening through a simple blood test called PSA, starting at 40 years old.
The Novembre Bleu campaign aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), and SDG 10 (reducing inequalities). The initiative also aims to combat the marginalization of men, which can contribute to gender-based violence. Agnindom emphasized the importance of addressing men's health concerns to promote equality and well-being.
Various activities are planned throughout the month, including a Blue Space event in Grand Lomé on November 14-15, offering public consultations, awareness campaigns, and screenings. A media tour and sensitization sessions will take place in different regions from November 1-20 and 16-26. A digital campaign, featuring video capsules, visuals, and live sessions, will run from November 10-25.
The campaign's digital engagement efforts include the Challenge Contenu Bleu, launched on October 5, which encourages young people to create content on male health. The campaign will culminate on November 28 with a charity run and the Soirée Bleue, featuring award ceremonies for challenge winners and partners. A press conference is scheduled for December 5 to review the campaign's impact.
The Novembre Bleu campaign seeks to promote male health and awareness, particularly in rural areas, and encourages men to prioritize their well-being. By addressing prostate cancer and other health concerns, the initiative aims to reduce preventable deaths and promote equality in healthcare.
Key points
- The campaign focuses on rural communities and aims to address the significant concern of prostate cancer in Togo.
- The initiative aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, promoting good health, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.
- Various activities, including public consultations, awareness campaigns, and digital engagement efforts, are planned throughout the month to promote male health and awareness.
