TLF, UNICEF and GHS organised Covid-19 vaccination exercise in Ashaiman

The Light Foundation (TLF) in partnership with UNICEF and Ghana Health Service (GHS) has organised Covid-19 vaccination exercise at Ashaiman Night Market to complement government’s efforts to contain, combat and prevent the spread of the infectious disease whilst sensitising residents on preventive measures of yellow fever and lead poisoning.

Speaking on the sidelines the Covid-19 vaccination exercise by The Light in collaboration with UNICEF and the Ghana Health Service on Saturday 19 February 2022 in Ashaiman, Health Promotions Officer at Ashaiman Municipal Health Directorate Madam Gladys Gbadagbali revealed “A total of 30 residents were vaccinated”.

Apart from the Covid-19 vaccination exercise, Health Promotions Officer at Ashaiman Municipal Health Directorate Madam Gladys Gbadagbali revealed exposure to lead paint dust is the most common cause of lead poisoning. According to her, lead poisoning, particularly in children, can lead to severe, irreversible health problems, lead exposure can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.

Shikh Ali Abubakar Napari, CEO of The Light Foundation (left) and Ashaiman Municipal Chief Imam Sheikh Mustapha Cicey (right)

Lead is a poisonous metal that is harmful to the human body. Lead poisoning can cause slow learning, hearing, and behavioural problems, can harm your child’s brain, kidneys, and other organs. Lead in the body stops good minerals such as iron and calcium from working right. Some of these negative effects may be permanent.

Speaking at the Religious Leaders Support for Covid-19 Vaccines confidence, lead poisoning and yellow fever sensitization programme by The Light Foundation in partnership with UNICEF on Saturday 19 February 2022 at Ashaiman, Health Promotions Officer at Ashaiman Municipal Health Directorate Gladys Gbadagbali said “the only way to determine if your child has lead poisoning is by getting blood tests. Ask your medical doctor or health care provider to test your child under six years of age at least once a year or even regular tests are advisable. A total of 30 residents were vaccinated”.

Main sources of lead and where lead hazards are found include lead-based paint which is a hazard if it is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking. Even lead-based paint that appears to be undisturbed can be a problem if it is on surfaces that children chew or that get a lot of wear and tear. The older your home is, the more likely it is to contain lead-based paint.

Apart from that , contaminated dust forms when lead paint is dryscraped or sanded. Dust can also become contaminated when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead
chips and dust can gather on surfaces and objects that people touch or that children put into their mouths.

Contaminated soil occurs when exterior lead-based paint from houses, buildings, or other structures flakes or peels and gets into the soil. Soil near roadways may also be contaminated from past use of leaded gasoline in cars. Avoid these areas when planting vegetable gardens.

Other Sources of lead include contaminated drinking water from older plumbing fixtures lead-based painted toys and household furniture, imported lead-glazed pottery and leaded crystal lead smelters.

Madam Charity Nikoi UNICEF(left) Social Behaviour Change Officer and Shikh Ali Abubakar Napari (right), CEO of The Light Foundation

Contributing to the discussion, Social Behaviour Change (SBC) Officer Madam Charity Nikoi urged participants to avoid breeding grounds of mosquitoes that spread yellow fever in communities.

She acknowledged that all people deserve protection from the hazards of lead-based paint, especially our most vulnerable communities. Reducing childhood lead exposure and addressing associated health impacts are one of UNCEF’s top priorities and we are committed to the robust enforcement of standards that are intended to protect children, individuals and families from lead poisoning”.

Speaking at the sesitisation programme, Ashaiman Municipal Chief Imam Sheikh Mustapha Cicey has urged participants to rely on the information from experts in the programme to improve health health conditions.

It is important to anchor the point that if you think your home has high levels of lead, make sure your children eat healthy, low-fat foods, high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C. Get your children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy. Always wash your hands before eating. Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys. Let tap water run for one minute before using. Use only cold water for making your baby’s formula, drinking, and cooking. Regularly clean floors, windowsills, and other surfaces using wet methods that control dust. Wipe or remove shoes before entering your house. Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when renovating.

Chief Executive Officer of The Light Foundation (TLF) whilst thanking representatives of the Ashaiman Council of Imams, UNICEF, organisers, also urged participants and residents of Ashaiman to apply lessons learned at the programme to improve health conditions and outcomes. I thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to honour the invitation to make this programme a successful one “.

The sesitisation programme, attended by
Ashaiman Municipal Deputy Chief Imam Alhaji Abu Sadat, Ashaiman Zango Chief Alhaji Ibrahim Yero, was characterised by Quran recitation by AMJAD MAS-UD and poem recitation by Poet Nakeeyat Dramani to drive home the educative messages on Covid-19 safety protocols, vaccination, preventive measures of yellow fever and lead poisoning.

Source: africaneditors.com

Below are exclusive pictures from Ashaiman Night Market programme by TLF, UNICEF: