Lead poisoning is a major problem and epidemic in Nigeria. In the state of Zamfara alone, over 400 children have died of lead poisoning since 2010. According to Human Rights Watch, this is the worst case of lead poisoning in the history of the modern world. It has killed over 400 innocent children and has sent 3500 children into critical condition with them needing life saving medical treatment. Unfortunately, only half of these kids will receive the urgent medical help that they desperately need.
The source of this devastating lead poisoning is from the methods used for mining gold as lead dust is released into the air and then contaminates everything. Their houses are made with mud from contaminated water sources, they bathe in water filled with lead, and they work in mines which exposes them further to lead poisoning. These children breathe in and absorb lead in so many ways and it is devastating communities and families all over Nigeria.
It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to provide adequate and safe housing and food for these innocent children. Human Rights Watch states that Nigeria is obligated under international law to protect and support these children. They need to live in environments that promote safety and health; not ones that cause their deaths.
So many children have already been impacted and if the government does not immediately step in and clean these communities and their water sources, more will die.
Tell the Nigerian government that these children desperately and urgently need help. It is their responsibility to provide clean and safe water to Nigerian children. If they continue to do nothing, the deaths of these children will be on their hands.
We the undersigned urgently and sincerely ask the government of Nigeria to immediately clean water sources throughout the country. Already over 400 children have died from lead poisoning and an additional 3500 children need life saving treatment. However not all of these children will receive the medical help that they need. These children are being exposed to lead in their homes, in their water and in the environments in which they work and live. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to provide these children with safe and healthy environments and if nothing is done, more innocent children will unnecessarily die.
Please immediately assist these children by providing them with clean water. Show you people that you will support and protect them and show the world that you will fight for the citizens of your country.
Thank you.
