The worst lead poisoning disaster in recorded history
Earlier this year, cases of lead poisoning in children and adults were confirmed in five villages in Zamfara state, north western Nigeria. This is the worst lead poisoning disaster in recorded history, killing approximately 400 children in March 2011 alone
MSF Doctor, Natalie Thurtle, treating a 2 year old boy who was unconscious for 3 weeks. His blood lead level was 244 mcg/dl. He recovered after treatment with DMSA.
MSF
Background
The soil in many villages in the state of Zamfara is contaminated by lead-heavy ore dust. The contamination is a consequence of villagers practicing small-scale artisanal gold mining from ore containing lead.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the blood lead ‘level of concern’ is 10 mcg/dl.
Tragically, 96% of the children screened in Zamfara, have much higher levels of lead in their blood than this; many above 100 mcg/dl.
Our Response
Since early June 2011, MSF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) has provided emergency treatment for most vulnerable groups affected, including children under 5 and breast feeding mothers.
We are providing chelation therapy using the drug DMSA which increases the excretion of lead through the kidneys.
So far we are providing treatment to 2,000 children and we have thousands more children waiting to start treatment once their villages have been decontaminated.
To prevent a disaster of this scale from recurring in the future, we are working with TerraGraphics Environmental Engineering and Artisanal Gold Council to clean-up contaminated soils, villages and environments, and implement safer mining procedures in Zamfara.
Costs
Each capsule of DMSA costs a minimum of £2.30.
It costs approximately £348.50 to treat each child (dependent on the length of treatment required).
We are aiming to treat 3,800 children next year.
Help us provide this lifesaving treatment?
We are seeking funding to cover the cost of the medication for this project.
Donate online using our secure credit card form:
You can make a donation of £3485 and pay for the medication to treat ten children
Or donate another amount
If you would like to make a donation but require more information about this work you can download a full project proposal.
Laura Ylatalo, our Major Gifts officer, will be able to answer any questions that you may have about this project.