Ogun begins health audit of Ogijo residents
Expectant, lactating mums, others undergo lead poison screening Ogun State Government has begun health audit of residents of Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government, following scare that the area has been
Expectant, lactating mums, others undergo lead poison screening
Ogun State Government has begun health audit of residents of Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government, following scare that the area has been exposed to lead poison.
The latest development also followed last November closure of seven factories by the state government for their involvement in lead-acid battery recycling in Ogijo axis of the state, on suspicion of likely lead poison.
Health Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker, who disclosed the commencement of the comprehensive health audit in a statement yesterday, said the exercise began after a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at the Ologijo’s palace.
She said blood sample was collected from more than 500 scientifically-selected residents to ascertain their Blood Lead Levels (BLL).
She added that the global attention that trailed reports on the issue by international media organisations had put Ogijo community in international spotlight, making government response a necessity.
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“Shortly after the reports emerged, Ministries of Health and Environment visited the communities to allay fears and outline a clear monitoring, evaluation and response framework.”
“The Ministry of Environment proceeded with environmental audits and assessments, following the closure of companies identified to pose potential risks.
“The health sector deliberately adopted a scientific approach to its audit process. Governor Dapo Abiodun directed that Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) be engaged to independently conduct the study in order to ensure authenticity, transparency and global credibility of the findings.
“We have ensured NIMR is working independently to deliver unbiased results, and once the report is received, appropriate recommendations will be submitted to the governor for necessary action.
“NIMR began fieldwork in the community last week and has collected over 500 blood samples, using a stratified scientific methodology, covering individuals previously identified with elevated blood lead levels, expectant mothers, lactating mothers, children and other residents within the mapped areas of the community,” she said.
