MAKOKOU, November 29, 2024 (AGP) – the populations of the commune of Makokou, provincial capital of Ogooué-Ivindo (North-east), were made aware, on Friday, November 29, of the dangers of clandestine abortions, noted the ‘AGP
This meeting was initiated by the governor of the province, Christiane Leckat, in collaboration with the general director of the Omar Bongo Ondimba regional hospital center in Makokou (CHROBOM), Julien Meyong and the regional health director, Thierry Bayito Mokoko. During a meeting bringing together administrative and military authorities, command auxiliaries, as well as health personnel, the main speakers denounced this recurring practice in the province, which leads to tragic deaths.
Discussions revealed that many of these abortions are performed by agents on duty at CHROBOM and who lack the required qualifications. Dr Meyong highlighted CHROBOM’s commitment to a multi-sectoral approach to promoting preventive actions, with the support of the Regional Health Directorate (DRS) and community stakeholders. He notably insisted on the importance of sex education and the prevention of unwanted pregnancies to limit these practices.
« For about three months, we have seen an increase in clandestine abortions in the Makokou neighborhoods. Sadly, two recent deaths involve three of our nurses”revealed Dr Meyong. Dr diallo Thierno Souleymane, gynecologist at CHROBOM, took advantage of this meeting to raise awareness and invite the women concerned to go to hospitals where qualified gynecologist doctors authorized by law can intervene.
For his part,the public prosecutor at the Makokou Court of First Instance,Oudasse Wague,recalled the provisions of article 244 of the Penal Code. This article provides for penalties of up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to five million FCFA for perpetrators of illegal abortions. Monsignor Stéphane Adoua Émane, representative of the Catholic Church, insisted on respect for the right to life: “ Human life must be respected and protected from conception.”
For her part, Governor Christiane Leckat warned of administrative sanctions against state agents involved in these practices.
NMM/ZSO/DT/EN