Children Swallowing New Liberian Coins X-ray technician Calls for Immediate Action 58 cases Reported

Monrovia, Liberia — a disturbing trend has emerged in Liberia, with a growing number of children swallowing the newly reintroduced coins circulating in the market. These coins, which were reintroduced by the Central Bank of Liberia in September 2022, are causing serious health concerns.

Jackson Coleman, a Liberian X-ray technician, has recently spoken out about the alarming number of cases he's witnessed. In an interview with local journalist Marka Davids, Coleman revealed that he alone has attended to 28 cases of children swallowing the newly introduced 5- and 10-dollar coins. Over the course of his work, Coleman has performed surgeries on 12 of these children, while many other doctors are also involved in similar operations across the country.

"The issue has been growing, and it’s becoming very concerning," Coleman said. "I have personally handled 58 cases of children swallowing coins, and other doctors are doing the same. The new coins are much lighter and smaller than the older ones from the 1990s, making them easier for children to swallow."

In the 1990s, coins were larger and heavier, which made it difficult for young children to ingest them. However, the smaller, lighter coins introduced in recent years pose a much greater risk to children, who are inadvertently swallowing them.

"This has become a serious issue," Coleman continued. "Since I began working as an X-ray technician, I’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of children coming in for treatment after swallowing these coins. It’s a problem that needs urgent attention."

Coleman has called on the Liberian government to intervene swiftly to address the situation, urging for greater awareness and possibly a review of the coin’s size and weight to prevent further incidents.

The Ministry of Health, along with the Central Bank of Liberia, has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but health experts are raising awareness about the dangers posed by the new coins.