A level 100 nursing student, Giba Princess Rhodlyn Sumbowini, has penned an open letter to the Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, questioning the efforts being made to tackle the alarming fluoride levels in water bodies in the Bongo District.
“I am writing to you today to bring to your attention a pressing issue that is affecting the residents of Bongo. The water supply in our area has been causing significant damage to the teeth of the people, leading to a loss of confidence and courage when speaking.”
Giba, who is a native of the affected community, emphasized the detrimental impact of high fluoride concentrations in the water, particularly on dental health.
“It has come to my attention that the water in our area contains high levels of fluoride, which is known to cause dental fluorosis. Many residents, especially children, are experiencing discoloration and weakening of their teeth due to prolonged exposure to this water. This not only affects their physical health but also has a significant impact on their self-esteem and confidence.”
She expressed concern over the prevalence of dental fluorosis among residents, especially children, who suffer from discoloration and weakening of their teeth due to prolonged exposure to the contaminated water.
Ms. Giba emphasized that the issue extends beyond physical health concerns, affecting the affected individuals’ self-esteem and confidence.
She urged authorities to prioritize the health and well-being of the residents by implementing immediate and effective measures to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water.
“I urge you to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that the water supply in our area is safe for consumption. This may involve implementing water treatment measures to reduce the fluoride levels or providing alternative sources of clean water for the residents.”
“Furthermore, I believe that education and awareness programs should be initiated to inform the community about the potential dangers of consuming water with high fluoride levels and how they can protect their dental health.”
I trust that you will take this matter seriously and work towards finding a sustainable solution to ensure the well-being of the people in our community. I am more than willing to assist in any way I can to address this issue and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further with you.”
The visible consequences of dental fluorosis not only pose a direct threat to the well-being of the community members but also raise questions about the broader environmental and public health policies in place.
In her open letter, she sought clarification from Minister Yakubu on the current strategies and initiatives being undertaken to address the water fluoride crisis.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHZ | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
