The Zambia Medical Association hosted a webinar on toxicology and clinical management of heavy metal poisoning, focusing on lead, arsenic, and manganese.
Dr. Wesley Banda, chairperson of the Public Health Board, welcomed participants and introduced the speakers, including Dr. Somwe Mukeni, Dr. Kawa, and international experts Nicholas Brooke and Talon Parnell.
The presenters discussed sources of exposure, toxicokinetics, clinical features, and management strategies for each heavy metal. They highlighted the importance of recognizing symptoms, conducting appropriate laboratory tests, and removing patients from exposure sources.
The webinar also covered the role of the Zambia Poison Information Center and included interactive case studies to engage participants. Questions were addressed regarding treatment options, laboratory testing availability, and public health implications in Zambia.
The session concluded with appreciation for the presenters and a reminder of the real-world relevance of the discussed topics, particularly in light of recent environmental incidents involving heavy metal contamination.