Cameroon: controversy over the sale of skin whitening products

Be careful, bleaching the skin or pickling is dangerous for your health, warn doctors.

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1 min

In Cameroon, we have been witnessing for a few days a controversy over products supposed to whiten the skin.

At the origin of this affair, a report from France 24 on the lightening products sold by the opposition deputy Nourane Fotsing.

Since the broadcast of this survey, these products have been banned for sale by the Cameroonian Minister of Health and the controversy swells throughout the country.

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with our correspondent in Douala,

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It all started with an advertising campaign led by MP Nourane Fotsing on a drink containing in particular Glutathione and Alpha Arbutin, substances supposed to lighten the skin.

In the report broadcast by France 24, the businesswoman maintains that her products are certified organic and present no danger to health.

False, replies the Minister of Health in a press release signed on August 10, Malachi Manaouda warns: these products have not been validated by his ministerial department, and they are dangerous for the health of consumers.

The Minister will send letters to the promoters of these lightening substances, including the member's company, requesting the suspension of the marketing of these products.

Upon receipt of this letter, Nourane Fotsing will denounce a political and media campaign against its structure and announce its closure.

But while this announcement will create strong reactions in social networks, it will backtrack and file an approval file for its productions at the Ministry of Health.

In Cameroon, skin lightening has become a fashionable phenomenon, but people who undergo it are very often exposed to many diseases including skin cancer.

► to listen also: Voluntary depigmentation of the skin, yes, no, maybe?

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• Cameroon

• Health and medicine