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The Ministry of Health has promised to treat people with high lead levels in Owino Uhuru slums, Mombasa.
The ministry made the pledge after it was taken to task by the High Court which demanded to know whether it would to treat over 3,000 people, who suffered lead poisoning thanks to a smelting factory that operated in the slums in 2009.
“Help the court understand what the ministry plans to do in helping those people who have already been tested and have high levels of lead in their bodies. I want what you as a doctor would recommend,” Justice Ann Omollo asked Dr Nancy Etiang from the Ministry of Health.
Owino Uhuru residents, through Centre for Justice, Governance and Environmental Action, are demanding over Sh2 billion compensation from the Government for failure to close down the lead factory.
The petitioners claim since the factory commenced operations in 2006, there have been more than 20 deaths attributed to lead poisoning.
Yesterday, Dr Etiang said those affected by lead poisoning would undergo continuous clinical check-ups and would be given zinc and iron tablets.
“We will refer them for regular checkups and ensure they get treatment after undergoing fresh blood tests to ascertain the different levels of lead poisoning. I will also recommend that they be given iron, calcium and zinc... and continue to be monitored regularly,” said Dr Etiang.
The doctor said the slum has high levels of lead, including in the soil.
The petitioners' lawyer Charles Onyango accused the ministry of doing nothing for five years to help residents despite knowing the area was polluted with lead.
He said the ministry never bothered to advise residents on what drugs to take.
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