Eastern region comes top as poisoning cases rise in 2024

Govt Laboratory Records 967 Poisoning Cases in Nine Months

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The government analytical laboratory in Wandegeya recorded 967 poisoning cases in 3,868 samples that were analyzed in the last nine months. Addressing journalists at Naguru Police Headquarters, Simon Mundeyi, the Internal Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, said there’s been a concerning number of poisoning cases from January to September 2024, which needs serious public awareness and education on poisoning prevention and management.

Eastern Uganda’s districts of Pallisa, Budaka, Kibuku, and Mbale reported the highest number of fatal poisoning cases, according to investigations by the Government Analytical Laboratory. This region is followed by Northern Uganda, Western Uganda, and Greater Masaka region, which have also seen significant numbers of poisoning cases.

According to statistics, poison was reported to have been used in the most cases of suicide, with 63% in urban areas compared to 25.6% in rural areas, while snake bites recorded 14.1% cases of fatalities.

According to the report, medicines for people and animals, supplements, and remedies are among the top on the danger list. But that’s not all; the report has also cited personal hygiene products and cosmetics as hazardous as well.

The experts also warned about agricultural supplies, such as pesticides, and other garden/auto products being dangerous. Mundeyi said that lack of information on chemical and poison handling is a main factor contributing to poisoning.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs hopes that with more equipping of the Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL), it will play a pivotal role in combating poisoning. Mundeyi said that DGAL’s toxicology division conducts critical medico-legal investigations and provides expert guidance on diagnosing and treating poisoning cases.

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