From 10 to 14 November, Medische Zending conducted an intensive training for its Community Health Assistants (GZA’s), with support from the planetGOLD Suriname programme. The initiative aimed to strengthen the capacity of front-line health workers to identify and address key health risks in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities.

Mercury remains a significant public health concern in mining regions. During the training, participants received clear and practical guidance on the immediate and long-term health effects of mercury exposure. Special attention was given to the risks faced not only by miners working directly with mercury, but also by family members, particularly children and pregnant women, who may be exposed indirectly through contaminated air, food, or water.

In addition to mercury-related health impacts, the training addressed a range of other urgent health challenges found in mining communities, including substance use, pregnancy and maternal health concerns, diabetes, mental health issues, and communicable diseases. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that Community Health Assistants are better equipped to support overall community well-being.

The collaboration between Medische Zending and planetGOLD Suriname aims to strengthen local health systems, expand community outreach, and ensure that essential health information reaches even the most remote interior populations. Community Health Assistants form a vital link between health services and the mining population. By deepening their understanding of mercury exposure and other pressing health risks, they are better positioned to safeguard the communities they serve and promote a healthier, better-informed population.

planetGOLD Suriname remains committed to promoting more responsible gold mining practices and supporting community health as part of its broader effort to reduce mercury use and enhance the quality of life in mining regions.