Kwara govt partners Health Watch to curb lead poisoning threat

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents from lead poisoning, as it deepens collaboration with health partners on prevention, awareness, and coordinated response efforts across the state.

This commitment was restated in Ilorin during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Health Watch team under its Project Amplify Lead Poisoning Prevention to the headquarters of the Ministry of Health.

Receiving the delegation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Taoheed Abdullahi, said the state government would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to strengthen public awareness and preventive actions against lead exposure.

He noted that lead poisoning remains a major public health concern globally, particularly among women and children, warning that sustained exposure could lead to severe and often irreversible health complications.

According to him, addressing the challenge requires coordinated action, effective communication, and continuous sensitisation at community level.

Earlier, the Team Lead of Nigeria Health Watch, Anwuli Frances Peter, explained that lead poisoning is a silent but dangerous health threat linked to exposure from sources such as artisanal mining, lead-based paints, battery recycling activities, and certain cosmetic products.

She said the Project Amplify Lead Poisoning Prevention, supported by Resolve to Save Lives in collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is designed to strengthen awareness, media engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and policy advocacy aimed at eliminating lead poisoning in Nigeria.

The project is currently being implemented in four states, including Kwara, Lagos, Kano, and Nasarawa, as part of broader national efforts to reduce environmental health risks and promote safer communities.

Peter also commended federal initiatives such as the National Lead Elimination Policy, the Five-Year Strategic Plan, and the inauguration of the National Inter-Agency Working Group on Lead Poisoning Prevention and Elimination in 2025, describing them as important steps toward tackling the public health challenge.

She called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, healthcare workers, civil society organisations, the media, and community leaders to sustain the fight against lead exposure.

Officials of the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders were present at the meeting.