Nigeria, one of Africa’s wealthiest countries, is facing a major health hazard, caused by local mining. In Zamfara State, there has been a mass amount of lead poisoning cases found among the workers and village people. This fatal illness has not only affected the working population in Nigeria, but also children living near the mines. According to the World Health Organization, The Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health has stated that 43 villages have been infected with high amounts of lead poisoning. Uniting with the UN, UNICEF and other organizations, aid is being reached to those infected. With $1.9 million donates by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, patients have access to x-rays, treatment for the lead poisoning and furthermore training for doctors. On a governmental level, Nigeria is working to create new processes in mining to greatly reduce the risk of an even like this occurring again. Taking these steps, despite the health hazard already occurring, will help improve the standard of living for those who reside in the developing area. The accumulation of international aid groups demonstrates the world’s acknowledgement to ensuring health and the necessity to help those who fall below the basic standard of living.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2011_11_11/en/index.html
Because the local mining industry creates such a large revenue for Nigeria, a proportion of such profits should be allocated towards better care to the health hazards it causes. Instead of relying on the limited funds of the UN, UNICEF, and other organizations, Nigeria needs to quickly develop a better system for care. Lead poisoning is a serious health hazard that affects individuals very quickly. If this issue is not addressed, Nigeria's population that works in this income generating industry may dwindle which would in turn also affecting the Nigerian economy.
ReplyDeleteHealth hazards due to local mining needs to stop. The government needs to do their best to end these major health concerns that include lead poising quickly and efficiently. If not these health concerns will just add onto the health care help needed in Africa.
ReplyDeleteIt is very surprising that this is still happening in the world. Not only does the UN need to donate money to clean the water supplies of the 43 villages, the companies that are in charge of the mining should be held accountable and put forth the resources to clean the water. Obviously, the mining should not stop (as it's a means of survival for many Nigerians), but at least the companies should keep their workers and their families safe with clean drinking water.
ReplyDeleteThe local mining is a serious problem that can cause people facing a major health hazard. The local government should take action to solve this problem. Otherwise, this is increase fatal illness in people. People should plan to end or try to reduce the mass amount of lead poisoning cases found among the workers and village people. If it didn’t take a action now, it will lead more serious cause in people‘s finance of healthcare system. As the same time, it affects the Nigerians’ economy. Again, if the issue didn’t find a way to solve, it can reduce the production and income of the country.
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