Poorly stored baby diapers are at high risk of causing bacteria infection to babies.
Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, the President, Uganda PaediatricAssociation at the Mulago Public School of Health, warns that if diapers are removed out of their storage package they can develop mouldsdue to absorption of moisture.
She also warns that supermarkets that store diapers in air conditioned rooms should be aware of bacteria such as legionella from legionellosis disease which is difficult to treat.
//Cue in: If diapers are…”
Cue out:…difficult to treat.”//
A visit to some supermarkets in Kampala such as Shoprite, Standard and Capital shoppers by URN revealed that most diapers do not indicate the expiry date. The shop attendants differed on the expiry date saying it lasts between two and three years from the date of production.
Philile Mthembu, Customer Relations Agent Procter and Gamble Western Europe, told URN though mail that pampers only indicates the production date. He argues that the expiry date is not printed on the nappies as they do not expire; however, they have a shelf life of 12 months after opening.
Dr. Kitaka also assures mothers that diapers have no danger to the baby since they mainly provide comfort to the baby during day and night. Dr. Kitaka says babies who develop diaper rash are just allergic to the liquid that is used in the diaper to absorb the urine and faeces.
She thus cautions mothers from letting their babies spend over six hours in a diaper and also wipe the babies from front to backwards.
//Cue in: We advise mothers…”
Cue out:…the sensitive parts.”//
Dr. Kitaka also calls upon the Uganda National Bureau of standards to check the quality of diapers that are imported in the country.
However, Barbra Kansiime, the Public relations officer, says they do not have any control measures on importation of diapers.
But there is a draft policy underway that tackles fir for purpose for every product which she says will be used to control diaper importation into the country.
