A/R: GHS Train 185 Officers On Heavy Metal Poisoning Prevention

The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, with the support from UNICEF Ghana, has successfully organised a three-day training workshop for 185 officers on effective communication one to educate public on heavy metal poisoning prevention in the region.

The workshop, which took place from 4th to 6th September in Kumasi, brought together 185 officers from various sectors, including Ghana Health Service-Health Promotion Officers, Community Health Nurses, Environmental Officers, and District SHEP Coordinators from the Ghana Education Service.

 

The primary objective of the training was to equip participants with an in-depth understanding of heavy metal poisoning, as well as preventive measures that can be adopted.

The workshop also sought to empower participants with the competence to conduct further downstream training for community-level stakeholders who engage in activities involving heavy metals.

 

Participants were trained to engage their communities and develop action plans to combat heavy metal poisoning.

 

Dr Emmanuel Tenkorang, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, led the workshop.

Speaking on the issue of heavy metal poisoning, he highlighted the dangers posed by these metal, which often accumulate in the body through exposure from food, water, industrial chemicals, and other sources.

 

He noted, “While the human body requires small amounts of some heavy metals for normal function, excessive exposure can have severe consequences.

“It can lead to cardiovascular issues such as blood vessel damage and hypertension, as well as hepatic impairment affecting the liver and kidneys, and respiratory diseases.”

 

In his recommendations on how to prevent heavy metal poisoning, Dr Tenkorang emphasised the importance of wearing protective clothing and using respirators where necessary, practising good hygiene, and ensuring that clothing is changed and hands are washed thoroughly before going home.

 

 

 

“Personal and environmental hygiene are critical in preventing exposure to these harmful metals,” he stressed.

Officers trained during the workshop are now equipped to educate the public and implement preventive measures.

The heavy metal poisoning prevention education will be rolled out in several districts, including Kumasi Metro, Asokwa, Asokore Mampong, Old Tafo, Suame, Afigya Kwabre South, Kwadaso, and Kwabre East.

The efforts of the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, with the support of UNICEF, aim to significantly reduce the dangers posed by heavy metal poisoning and improve the health and well-being of communities across the region.

 

 

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