A girl in pain as medical personnel extracts blood samples from her arm. Residents of Owino Uhuru in Mombasa, who were affected by lead-poisoning, received free treatment
The four-day tests would target children because of the risks lead poisoning poses to their health in future, said Dr Etiang.She said lead affects a child’s development and the “body’s neurological and cognitive functions.
“The findings will act as guidelines to the agencies that closely work with the government, including the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) and the Health ministry.”
A multi-sectorial report would be compiled and results made public through relevant government agencies.
Health ministry officials Wednesday started carrying out lead poisoning tests on children at informal settlements near a battery recycling factory in Mombasa County.
Blood samples were drawn from the children aged between one to five for the tests. The medics are targeting 100 children at Owino Uhuru and a similar number at Bangladesh.
