Douala, Yaounde: Health ministry, UNICEF raise alarm over lead toxin.

The meeting was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Public Health and UNICEF. Officials said it was organised to create awareness on the exposure of the toxin to the population of Douala and Yaounde.

Organisers said the meeting was organised against a backdrop of growing concern about environmental pollution. It was attended by representatives of ministries, experts, Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, alongside technical and financial partners.

Discussions primarily focused on the devastating effects of lead, a toxic heavy metal which, experts said at the conference, can lead to severe neurological and developmental impairments in children.

Participants further raised concern of the dangers the chemical poses to children and pregnant women, while proposing solutions.

During the meeting, a UNICEF official is said to have disclosed that the international organisation is initiating a collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and other partners on lead toxin.

The same official is further quoted as having explained that, the UN agency is preparing a new programme document on the issue to be released next year.

A UNICEF health specialist, Dr Ngum Belyse Halmata, is said to have underscored that, basic analyses will be carried out to complement what already exists.

“In the course of this planning, we are going to address the related issue by targeting children under five, pregnant women, and families in general. Once planned, we will jointly implement activities,” Dr Ngum stated.

The UNICEF health expert is also said to have furthered that in addition to the strategic meeting held, a two-day online certification training will take place for technicians, health workers and members of civil society.

He said the training will include 12 modules on environmental health, metal poisoning, pesticides, air pollution, climate change and more. Dr Ngum is also said to have stated that the aim of the training is to build national capacity in the prevention, diagnosis and management of lead poisoning.

According to UNICEF, over one child in three worldwide is exposed to dangerous levels of lead.  The organisation disclosed that studies carried out in Douala in particular revealed alarming soil contamination around informal battery recycling sites, with high levels of lead concentration. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3506 of Thursday July 17, 2025