Visionary Reports

Moto mechanic technicians and other technicians exposed to lead have been called upon to take preventive measures to guard against lead poisoning. This was during a field visit of UNICEF officials in Douala recently. The visit on August 15 permitted the officials to educate the targeted population on the dangers of lead exposure. Be it at Fin goudron Stade Cicam in the Douala V and Nkongmondo Douala I, the harsh realities faced by local mechanics and garage owners, who unknowingly work in environments laden with this silent poison were visible. As a result the officials from UNICEF took time off to educate them on how to prevent lead poisoning

The initiative aimed to break the silence surrounding lead poisoning, a serious health threat particularly affecting children and pregnant women. Experts from UNICEF, led by Social Behaviour Change officer Aristide Koffi, engaged with community members to raise awareness about the risks associated with everyday activities. Valentin, an electrician, shared insights, revealing that routine actions like stripping wires with teeth and handling battery acid can lead to severe health consequences.Nyamsi Dieudonné, an automotive electrician with over forty years of experience, recounted an incident involving the death of an apprentice who became blind after a battery explosion. His testimony highlighted the dire consequences of ignorance regarding lead exposure, serving as a reminder of the urgent need for safety measures.The medical implications of lead exposure are particularly concerning. Pregnant women face heightened risks, as lead stored in bones can be released into the bloodstream during pregnancy, potentially affecting fetal development. The Cameroonian safety threshold for lead is set at 90 ppm, but public health experts warn that any level of lead in the blood poses significant health risks.The dialogue sessions conducted by UNICEF were designed to foster personal commitment among participants. Valentin and Dieudonné pledged to adopt safer practices, including the use of gloves and protective equipment, and to store batteries away from their homes.UNICEF’s advocacy extends beyond community engagement; it calls for decisive action at industrial and legislative levels. They emphasizes the need to limit the use of lead in consumer products like paints and batteries, asserting that every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment free from toxins.”This is not just about awareness; it’s about urgent action,” stated Koffi. “Our children’s lives cannot be collateral damage. We must act now to protect their futures.”The visit also took UNICEF officials to some companies dealing with paint in Douala.

By Gina Esong