UoN joins the world in marking the 12th International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Awareness
The World Health Organization has set October 20-26 every year as the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action. For the last 13 years, the UoN has taken a lead role in increasing awareness of the effects of Lead Exposure. This year, Kenya took a multi-sectoral approach led by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change, USAID, CEJAD, UNICEF, Basco Paints, and Save the Children.
The UoN hosted the official opening on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 which was officially opened by the PS, Ministry of Health, Hon. Mary Muthoni. In her speech, she reiterated the government's commitment to review the policies that guide on reduction of lead exposure especially in pregnant women and children.
She mentioned that over 100,000 community healthcare workers all over the country are ensuring that health policies are implemented at the community level. She pledged protection and a safe environment to every child in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Brian Ouma applauded the multi-sectoral committee that offered leadership during the week of Action. He also recognized and applauded Prof. Farida Were who championed the advocacy efforts backed by research output for the last 13 years.
Mr. Ouma underscored the role of academia and especially research in evidence-based solutions to inform policymakers within the country
USAID's Director for Health, Population, and Nutrition, Mr. Bradley Cronk, highlighted that 1 in every 2 children are at a risk of being exposed globally and experiencing long-term effects of lead exposure, including low birth weight, low IQ, irreversible developmental challenges and the hazard to pregnant mothers. He called on the community to take a collective responsibility to ensure that everyone in the community is aware of this danger to our lives.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof. Sheila Okoth welcomed the guest to the University and applauded the researchers who have worked on the effects of lead. she urged them to keep on disseminating their research output to the policy makers and the community.
Prof. Farida Were, Department of Chemistry and the Lead Awareness Champion in Kenya announced that children in the country show symptoms of lead exposure. She highlighted how Lead gets in the blood stream of those working in industries or live around industrial areas.
Luigi D' Aquino, Chief Health , UNICEF, Mr. Aseem Doshi BascoProducts Ltd, General Manager, Dr. David Githanga, Kenya Paediatric Association also spoke during the opening ceremony.
On Friday, October 25, 2024 the committee and the partner organizations culminated the Week of Action with an Awareness Walk and an Award Ceremony. The individuals and organizations that have been sensitizing the community against the effects of lead exposure were recognized and awarded. The awareness walk saw over 700 students and staff of the University, the Ministry and partner organizations walked 10km.
This year’s theme was: Bright Futures begin lead free.
The call of action: Let’s all collaborate to realize a #LeadFreeKenya
Watch related stories as covered throughout the week
