Niger State Govt Sets Up Committee To Tackle Lead Poisoning

The Niger Government on Thursday said it had set up a committee to tackle lead poisoning in Rafi Local Government Area of the state. Dr Mohammad Usman, the Director of Public Health in the state health ministry, disclosed this in an interview with NAN in Minna. He said the committee had began sensitising the affected communities on preventive measures to avoid further infection and death.




 “So far, 64 persons were affected in Kakuri ward of Anguwan Kawu and Sikira community, 28 died and four others receiving treatment. “Those that lost their lives are mainly were children below the age of five. Nine cattle, some domestic animals and birds.
 “We are working with stakeholders to avert further incidence. We are collaborating with WHO, Federal Ministry of Health, the Doctors Without Borders and other relevant ministries in the state.” Usman said the state government would provide emergency services to the affected communities, adding that evacuation may be considered when necessary. He said the major signs of lead infection include fever, abdominal pain, convulsions and mental illness, stressing that laboratory tests are currently being conducted on members of the community.