Zambia is not a dumping ground for dental amalgam

Livingstone University Teaching Hospital’s dental surgeon, Dr. Robin Mwewa, has raised critical concerns about the dangers of mercury in dental amalgam fillings.

 Speaking at a recent health forum, Dr. Mwewa detailed the adverse effects of mercury on human health and the environment, urging for greater awareness and action.  

Mercury, a key component in dental amalgam, has been used globally for over a century to treat cavities.

 Its introduction in dentistry originated in Europe, with countries like France and Britain pioneering its application. 

However, the long-term consequences of mercury exposure were not understood until much later.  

Health Risks Associated with Mercury Exposure

Dr. Mwewa highlighted several health complications linked to mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings:  

1. Tremors: Mercury can cause involuntary muscle contractions, commonly affecting the legs.  

2.  Emotional Instability: Excessive mercury can lead to mood swings, irritability, nervousness, and excessive shyness.  

3.  Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, resulting from mercury poisoning, impacts productivity and overall well-being.  

4. Neuromuscular Issues: Weakness, muscle shrinkage, and poor coordination are common, particularly in individuals performing physically demanding tasks.  

5. Headaches: Persistent headaches may be misdiagnosed and treated with painkillers, while the underlying cause—mercury poisoning—remains untreated.  

6. Sensory Impairment: Mercury can dull taste sensations and disrupt nerve responses.  

7. Cognitive and Developmental Problems: Mercury exposure during pregnancy or early childhood can impair learning, concentration, and speech development.  

Dr. Mwewa also pointed to mercury contamination in food, particularly in shellfish, which compounds these health risks. Consumption of mercury-laden fish can lead to twitching pains, impaired movement, and speech and hearing difficulties.  

Environmental Concerns

Beyond its impact on health, mercury poses significant environmental threats.

 Improper disposal of dental amalgam waste can lead to mercury contamination in soil and water, harming ecosystems and wildlife.  

“The effects of mercury on both human health and the environment are profound,” Dr. Mwewa emphasized. 

“It is especially harmful to children and pregnant women. Addressing these risks is a matter of urgency.”  

Dr. Mwewa called for the proper disposal of amalgam waste and increased public education about mercury’s dangers.

 He also advocated for alternatives to mercury-containing dental fillings, which are safer for patients and the environment.  

As awareness grows about mercury’s risks, Dr. Mwewa’s message serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of transitioning to safer dental practices and protecting the environment from toxic exposure.  

And Livingstone Deputy Mayor Robert Wandila officially launched the Africa Mercury-Free Dentistry Week in Livingstone, reaffirming the city's commitment to a healthier and safer environment. 

Speaking at the event hosted by the Children’s Environmental Health Foundation, Wandila emphasized the dangers posed by mercury exposure, particularly to vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.  

The event brought together officials from the Livingstone City Council, the District Health Office, the Health Professional Council of Zambia, the Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, and the Livingstone Chamber of Commerce. 

While representatives from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) could not attend, Wandila acknowledged their critical role in promoting environmental safety.  

“It is truly touching and saddening to learn about the effects of mercury exposure,” Wandila said.

 “Your fight is noble, and I will join you in this campaign to ensure that the ban on dental amalgam is done legally.”  

Dental amalgam, a material containing mercury, is commonly used in dental fillings. 

However, its potential health risks have prompted calls for its phased removal in Zambia. 

Wandila committed to collaborating with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and the Ministry of Health, to develop legislation prohibiting its use.  

The deputy mayor expressed his appreciation for the Children’s Environmental Health Foundation’s efforts to create a mercury-free environment and pledged to work alongside the organization to make Livingstone—and Zambia as a whole—a leader in mercury-free dentistry.  

“I will gladly advocate for the phasing out of dental amalgam,” Wandila said.

 “We aim to achieve this through the development of legislation that will prohibit its use, ensuring a safer future for our communities.”  

The initiative aligns with broader efforts across Africa to eliminate mercury use in dentistry, contributing to the continent's environmental health goals. 

Wandila urged the District Health Office to monitor progress and pledged his unwavering support for the campaign.  

With his concluding remarks, Wandila declared the Africa Mercury-Free Dentistry Week officially launched in Livingstone, marking a significant step forward in environmental and public health advocacy.  

"Together, we can make Africa dental amalgam-free," Wandila stated. 

And in  a passionate call for change, the Children’s Environmental Health Foundation (CEHF), led by Executive Director Micheal Musenga, has urged Zambia to join the global movement towards mercury-free dentistry.

 Speaking during the Africa Week of Mercury-Free Dentistry, Musenga highlighted the health and environmental hazards posed by dental amalgam, a material that contains up to 45% mercury.

Musenga emphasized the critical need for Zambia to phase out dental amalgam, aligning with global standards set by the Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty to protect human health and the environment from mercury exposure. 

"Dental amalgam is a primitive pollutant, harmful to dental workers, patients, and particularly children and women of reproductive age," he said.  

Global Progress and Local Challenges  

While Europe has successfully banned dental amalgam, both in its production and export to developing countries, the material still finds its way into Zambia, raising concerns over border enforcement. 

Musenga urged the Zambian government to strengthen laws to prevent the import and use of dental amalgam, which he described as “disastrous to the environment and public health.”  

The CEHF is collaborating with organizations such as the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry and the Africa Centre for Environmental Health to advocate for legislative measures. These efforts are in line with the European Union's zero-pollution ambition and aim to make Africa mercury-free.

### Health Risks and Environmental Impact  

Mercury from dental amalgam is a significant pollutant, poisoning fish and endangering communities reliant on aquatic ecosystems. "Children who consume mercury-contaminated fish risk brain damage," Musenga warned. He noted that safer alternatives to dental amalgam are available and should be adopted nationwide.  

### Call to Action  

Musenga appealed to key stakeholders, including the Minister of Health, Hon. Elijah Musuma, and the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, to take decisive action. "We need national laws to prohibit the use of dental amalgam and ensure its phase-out in hospitals and private dental clinics," he said, adding that community support would be crucial for success.  

Zambia’s commitment to the Minamata Convention provides a framework for this transition. Musenga stressed the importance of immediate action, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.  

### A Vision for the Future  

With a strong legislative push and coordinated efforts among stakeholders, Zambia could become a leader in mercury-free dentistry in Africa. "Zambia is not a dumping ground for toxic dental amalgam. The people of Zambia have a right to health and a safe environment," Musenga declared.  

As the Africa Week of Mercury-Free Dentistry continues, the CEHF hopes its message will resonate, inspiring Zambia to join the growing list of countries prioritizing health and environmental sustainability.  

And The Children's Environmental Health Foundation has expressed gratitude for a free dentistry program that ran from December 2 to December 13, 2020, which aimed to educate and provide essential dental care to the community. Speaking during the closing of the program, Chilunga Muzala, a representative of the foundation, highlighted the significance of the initiative and the knowledge imparted on the use and impacts of dental amalgam.

“We are grateful for the opportunity and the knowledge provided through this program,” Muzala said. The program not only offered dental services but also raised awareness about the adverse effects of dental amalgam, which contains mercury—a substance linked to several health issues.

Muzala noted that dental amalgam, once a common material used in fillings, has been associated with adverse health effects, including emotional changes such as mood swings, nervousness, insomnia, neuromuscular changes, headaches, and cognitive impairments. “We are grateful for this knowledge and appreciate that amalgam use has been phased out in hospitals,” she added.

However, Muzala stressed the need for further action, urging local authorities to enact legislation that would make Zambia a dental amalgam-free country. “We still request that a law be established so that, together, we can ensure safer dental practices and protect the health of our communities,” she appealed.

The program’s success is seen as a step forward in improving oral health while promoting safer, mercury-free alternatives in dentistry. Advocates like Muzala hope that the knowledge shared and the appeal for legal reforms will pave the way for a healthier future for Zambia.

End 

Livingstone Tycoon's judgement defered

The Livingstone Magistrate Court has adjourned a case involving two businessmen and a woman accused of illegally obtaining land in the tourist capital. 

Magistrate Kahoyi Mushabati explained that the judgment was not ready, citing the bulk of the case records and the need for further review.

"As you have seen, this is quite voluminous, like the Bible, so I need more time to look at it," he said.

The case has been rescheduled for January 27, 2025, to allow all parties sufficient time.

 Furthermore, Magistrate Mushabati noted that the court would be on leave and would only resume work in the new year.

"I will be going on leave, as you know it's the farming season, and I need to go and rest," he said.

One of the accused, Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, requested the postponement, stating he needed to travel to India for medical treatment.

This is in a case where Israel Mushoke, 54, Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, 65, and businesswoman Lata Jehendra Shah, 60, are facing allegations of unlawfully acquiring land and trespassing. 

They are accused of deceiving a government officer, George Susiku Sindila, into signing documents for land ownership in Livingstone between January and June 2022. 

The charges also include attempted criminal trespass.

The three accused, represented by Swizt Mweemba of Swizt Mweemba and Associates, maintain their innocence and informed the court that they would rely on the court's record and the submissions which they had filed at the point of no case to answer stage.

The court has assured that all due processes will be followed when the case resumes next year.

Livingstone Social Worker Urges Men to Take Responsibility in the Fight Against HIV

By Chali Mulenga  

Livingstone, Zambia – Renowned social worker Joseph Moyo has issued a passionate call to action for men to take responsibility in combating the spread of HIV. 

Speaking from his extensive experience working with communities, Mr Moyo highlighted the critical role men play in the transmission and prevention of the virus, urging them to embrace openness and accountability in addressing their health challenges.  

“Men’s silence is one of the greatest barriers to controlling HIV,” Mr Moyo stated.

 “It is well-documented that many HIV infections are brought into families by men who fail to disclose their status. This silence is destroying families and lives.”  

 Women Leading the Way  

Mr Moyo noted that women often demonstrate greater responsibility when it comes to health challenges, including HIV. 

“When women discover their status, they disclose it to their partners. 

This transparency allows couples to take preventive measures, such as using protection or accessing medication to prevent mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.

Women’s openness has saved countless lives,” he explained.  

In contrast, Mr Moyo lamented, men frequently keep their status hidden. 

“Instead of disclosing their HIV-positive status, some men continue engaging in unprotected sexual activities, infecting their partners and contributing to the spread of the virus. 

This must change,” he emphasized.  

Call for Change  

Mr Moyo stressed the importance of education and behavior change to address the stigma and cultural norms that deter men from speaking openly about their health. 

“We need to create a culture where men feel empowered to share their status and take preventive measures. Silence only leads to more harm,” he said.  

He also urged men to take advantage of available HIV testing and counseling services. 

“Testing is not just about knowing your status; it’s about taking control of your life and protecting those you love,” he explained.  

 Community Efforts  

Mr Moyo praised ongoing community initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding HIV and providing support to affected families. 

He encouraged men to participate in these programs and set an example for the younger generation.  

“HIV is not just a health issue; it’s a social issue. Men must realize their role in this fight. 

By being open about their status and taking preventive steps, they can help build healthier families and communities,” Mr Moyo concluded.  

A Message of Hope  

And Mr Moyo reminded the public that HIV is no longer a death sentence with early diagnosis and proper treatment. 

“We have the tools to manage and prevent HIV, but it starts with honesty, responsibility, and action,” he said.  

As Zambia continues its battle against HIV, Moyo’s message serves as a powerful reminder that men’s involvement and accountability are key to winning the fight.  

Witness Defends Businessman in Livingstone Land Dispute

 In a case before Magistrate Kahoyi Mushabati, Ian Mulemwa provided a defense for businessman Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, recounting his involvement in facilitating a land transaction between Chihanganlal and Israel Mushoke, who was selling the parcel.

Mulemwa stated that he knew all three accused individuals and described his role as a middleman who connected Chihanganlal and Mushoke. 

“Israel approached me, mentioning he had a parcel of land for sale,” Mulemwa said.

 “I shared this information with Shah, who expressed interest after confirming the land was titled and ready for sale.”

According to Mulemwa, he accompanied both men to inspect the property, where he personally witnessed Mushoke marking the land’s beacons. 

He confirmed that once Chihanganlal and his family were satisfied with the inspection, they proceeded to finalize the contract.

 Mulemwa served as a witness to the contract, overseeing the signing and documentation, which he testified appeared to follow legal requirements.

In court, Mulemwa emphasized that his involvement was purely to introduce the buyer and seller, ensuring the land transaction was properly documented. 

He recalled his presence during the transaction, asserting that he witnessed the signing and exchange, which he believed was conducted with transparency.

 “I linked them up, showed them the land, and was there as the deal was finalized,” he affirmed.

The defense testimony provided by Mulemwa paints the transaction as a transparent process, suggesting that Chihanganlal had no reason to suspect any issues with the land’s ownership. 

Woman Denies Charges in Land Dispute, Claims Innocence in Document Fraud Case

 Lata Jehendra Shah, wife of businessman Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, faced court this week in a case surrounding an alleged fraudulent land purchase, defending her role as a supportive family member in what she claims was a legitimate transaction for their son.

This is in a case where  Israel Mushoke, Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, and Lata Jehendra Shah all of Livingstone.

They face charges of making false statements and entering private property without permission.

Israel Mushoke, 54, and Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, 65, are accused of misleading a government officer, George Susiku Sindila, into signing a document related to land in Livingstone between January and June 2022. They also face charges of trespassing on private property with intent to commit an offense.

Lata Jehendra Shah, a 60-year-old businesswoman, is also implicated in these activities.

The defendants are represented by lawyers from Swizt Mweemba and Associates.

According to Shah testifying before magistrate Kahoyi Mushabati that her husband initially approached her in early 2022 about buying a piece of land along Sichango Road, near Batoka Sky.

“He mentioned the location, and I told him, if you like it, go ahead and buy it,” she explained.

After family discussions, they decided to purchase the plot in their son’s name.

“We talked with our son, and he agreed,” she said. “He trusted us to move forward with the purchase.”

Shah explained that she became more involved in the transaction after her husband injured his hand and was unable to sign.

 At his request, she signed the contract on his behalf, acting on her husband’s assurance that all documents were in order.

She recalls meeting Israel Mushoke, the individual selling the land, who provided her husband with official documents related to the property.

Shah expressed her shock when the police summoned her in May 2022, arresting her on charges of fraudulently obtaining documents.

 “I was completely surprised. I knew nothing about any fraud,” she said.

Shah maintains that her only role was signing the contract on behalf of her husband and son, trusting her husband’s due diligence.

In her defense, Shah denies all charges of document fraud. “I had no knowledge of any issues with the land,” she stated firmly.

 “I was only fulfilling my husband’s request to sign the contract on behalf of our son.”

Businessman Defends Land Purchase as Fraud Accusations Unfold

A businessman Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal appeared in court firmly denying allegations of fraud and criminal trespass linked to his purchase of a plot of land in Livingstone.

This is in a case where Israel Mushoke, Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, and Lata Jehendra Shah all of Livingstone.

They face charges of making false statements and entering private property without permission.

Israel Mushoke, 54, and Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, 65, are accused of misleading a government officer, George Susiku Sindila, into signing a document related to land in Livingstone between January and June 2022. They also face charges of trespassing on private property with intent to commit an offense.

Lata Jehendra Shah, a 60-year-old businesswoman, is also implicated in these activities.

The defendants are represented by lawyers from Swizt Mweemba and Associates.

Chihanganlal contends before Livingstone magistrate Kahoyi Mushabati that he recounted how he first learned about the land deal.

“In March 2022, Ian approached me with information about a piece of land for sale along Sichango Road, next to Batoka Sky Limited,” he said.

 After consulting with his family, Chihanganlal decided to proceed with the purchase in his son's name.

He then met with Ian and Mushoke, the seller, who showed him the property and presented documents, including the land’s certificate of title and survey diagram.

“Mushoke showed me the boundaries, and I confirmed the location,” Chihanganlal said, adding that the land appeared free of any prior encumbrances.

Chihanganlal finalised the deal after negotiating a price of 1.2 million kwacha.

“I reviewed the documents and found everything in order,” he noted.

 With his right hand fractured at the time, he asked his wife to sign the sale contract on their son’s behalf, and the deal was witnessed by Ian.

Chihanganlal says the payment was then transferred from his joint account with his wife.

Despite the apparently smooth transaction, complications emerged months later.

In August 2022, a friend contacted Chihanganlal, asserting ownership of the plot.

“I provided him with the title document, but later, Livingstone Police began investigating Mushoke regarding the same plot,” he said.

In November, both Chihanganlal and his wife were summoned to the police station, where he was informed of charges including criminal trespass and fraudulently obtaining documents.

 

Chihanganlal maintains his innocence, stating that he did not know of any competing claims over the plot.

“I was shocked and surprised by my arrest and never had the chance to explain how I acquired Plot 3099 for my son,” he told the court.

 Chihanganlal spent several hours in police detention before being released on bond, only to have his wife subsequently charged with obtaining documents fraudulently.

Through his lawyer, Chihanganlal asserted that he conducted due diligence prior to the purchase.

“I had verification done, and I have the report to prove it,” he testified.

“I deny the charges against me. I only know Plot 3099, and I bought it in good faith,” he said.

Defendant Denies Charges, Claims Property Deal Followed Legal Process

Livingstone businessman has told the court that his actions to sale his plot were lawful, with no intent to mislead, and that the accusations are baseless.

This is in a case where Israel Mushoke, Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, and Lata Jehendra Shah all of Livingstone.

They face charges of making false statements and entering private property without permission.

Israel Mushoke, 54, and Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, 65, are accused of misleading a government officer, George Susiku Sindila, into signing a document related to land in Livingstone between January and June 2022. They also face charges of trespassing on private property with intent to commit an offense.

Lata Jehendra Shah, a 60-year-old businesswoman, is also implicated in these activities.

The defendants are represented by lawyers from Swizt Mweemba and Associates.

In a defense before Livingstone magistrate Kahoyi Mushabati, Mushoke, one of three defendants accused of trespass and fraud in a high-profile land case, firmly denied allegations of wrongdoing.

 Mushoke asserted that he followed legal protocols in selling his property and stated that accusations of deception were unfounded.

Mushoke explained that he had been unaware of any alleged encumbrances or irregularities affecting the property, designated as plot LIV 3099, at the time of sale.

 "The accusations are false," he said. "I did not manipulate or procure the signing of any document."

According to Mushoke, the property in question was intended for sale to help finance his father's medical treatment in India.

He testified that he provided all required identification documents, including his title deed, to potential buyer Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, who later confirmed the documents' authenticity through a verification process with the Ministry of Lands.

 "I was told the documents were in order, and we could proceed with the transaction," he stated.

The agreed sale price of 1.2 million kwacha was settled, and a contract for the sale was drawn up and signed, with Mushoke as the seller and Chihanganlal’s representative as the buyer.

 Mushoke maintained that the transaction followed all necessary steps, including securing a consent for assignment from the Ministry of Lands and paying the 5 per cent property transfer tax to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

 "A tax certificate was issued to me for LIV 3099, confirming compliance," he said.

However, Mushoke said he was later accused by police of trespassing on a property owned by others and of forging the signature of George Susiku, a government officer.

"I deny these charges. I do not know George, and his signature is not on my documents," he told the court.

Mushoke further stated that he was detained for 15 days, later transferred to Lusaka, and held for three days without food, where he claims he was denied access to the Ministry of Lands.

Mushoke reiterated that he had followed the correct procedures, noting that he had acquired land through the Ministry of Lands multiple times without issue.

"I am familiar with the process, and I adhered to it strictly," he said, emphasizing that he had never encountered George or his signature on any official documents.

The case has been adjourned until November 29, 2024, for judgement.