Ethiopia: Over 14 Million At Risk of Fluorosis - Ministry

More than 14 million Ethiopians may be potentially at risk of fluorosis, the Ministry of Water Resources announced at a workshop on Fluorosis Mitigation Learning Exchange held from from 4- 5 March 2008 in Addis Ababa. A recent assessment of Fluoride, Fluorosis and Defluoridation issues reported that, out of those at risk, approximately 85% may have already been exposed to high fluoride contamination. Excessive fluoride is the most serious water sanitation problem, mainly in the Ethiopian Rift Valley system affecting areas in Afar , Oromia, and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and peoples regional states, including some parts of Gambela Regional State. A high level National Fluorosis Mitigation Steering Committee composed of Ministers and Heads of relevant agencies has been re-established to coordinate fluorosis mitigation efforts in Ethiopia.

Source: Binyam Tamene, The Daily Monitor, allAfrica.com, 6 Mar 2008

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