Health Education

The March 2026 issue of Doctor Magazine features KidsToxLK – the Paediatric Poison Information and Research Centre of Sri Lanka in a special article on the prevention and essential first aid of childhood poisoning. Authored by Professor Kavinda Dayasiri, the feature highlights the urgent need for systems-level responses to paediatric poisoning in low- and middle-income settings.

The article outlines practical, evidence-based first aid measures for common childhood poisonings, addresses harmful myths and inappropriate home remedies, and emphasises the critical importance of early hospital presentation. It also discusses gaps in discharge counselling, pharmacy-level risk communication, and safe medication storage practices—areas identified through ongoing research and national surveillance initiatives led by KidsToxLK.

Importantly, the feature underscores the role of caregiver education, safer packaging, and community-based prevention strategies in reducing avoidable morbidity and mortality among children. By integrating clinical care, toxicovigilance, research, and public education, KidsToxLK is presented as a scalable model for strengthening paediatric poisoning prevention in Sri Lanka and similar settings.