exclusive interview with mohamed cherif haidara the founder of evna

This platform, which the company Héphaïstos introduced on December 8th 2021, offers to create a world of freedom and security for cancer patients receiving treatment, whether chronic or cured.

Evna was the first App to be launched in France. Cancer patients and caregivers can organise their own emotional support groups. It’s now available on Google Play and the App Store for download.

Behind this launch hides Mohamed Chérif Haidara, the creator of Héphaïstos. He’s replying to our questions.

What words come to mind when you think of the “Evna” project?

“The goal of the app is to make individuals feel less lonely by promoting interaction and discourse. We opted to expand it to all conditions since it is frequently associated with a cancer patient’s difficult journey outside of health facilities, as well as the high hopes aroused by the application’s introduction.”

To converse and speak with other patients or carers who are in the same hospital, close by, or even across the country, all that is necessary is a smartphone or a tablet and an internet connection. The app offers a filter that allows patients and caregivers of patients with a specific illness or condition to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and concerns about that illness or condition.

“The App enables for the sharing and exchanging of experiences, information, and recommendations, as well as simple comparison and comfort, in a very empathetic context.” It was made by the members of the community using a simple formula. No one understands what you’re going through like someone who has been there.”

The primary purpose of the Evna application is to establish a communication channel. Serious sick people, as well as those who care for them, are able to face their situation and feel better emotionally as a result of this.

For a minute, put yourself in the shoes of a cancer patient! His family consists of his parents, spouses, wives, brothers, and children. All those who have found themselves in a situation that has caused them to lose their sense of immobility. They were strongly invested in a psychological perspective, as well as being compelled to reorganise themselves in order to assist the loved one in everyday life.

“The goal is to establish a communication channel for those who are critically ill or those who care for them so that they may work together to address the issue.”

They are feeling lonely and unprepared, and they need help finding a balance that allows them to communicate with the patient productively. We are uncaring with the plight of the local families. You need to be more cautious:

“Everyone in a family is affected by one person’s illness.”

Of course, the family can work together as a unit, supporting one another and working in the family’s best interests, but this is insufficient! Even friends aren’t enough. We would need help and skilled aid to make dads, mothers, children, and brothers feel alone. Although a doctor can do it, an app like Evna could offer a more organised experience with ad hoc consultations and a hotline.

There are presently no such applications available that link patients with other patients or caregivers with other caregivers.

Is it true that one’s emotions and outlook affect one’s capacity to recover from illness?

According to research, social isolation increases the risk of suffering by up to 30%.

Loneliness affects about 60,000 cancer patients who live alone in France, according to the League Against Cancer. Emotional discomfort, as well as anxiety and depression symptoms, are common among cancer patients.

Our mission is to (in our own unique way) fight cancer by leading French society’s efforts to reduce the disease’s effect and enhance people’s quality of life.

During the lockdown, the problem grew increasingly challenging. It’s vital to use online support groups to express thoughts, feelings, and concerns among patients and caregivers.