Pure Earth Bangladesh commenced a week-long campaign to observe “International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week”
Lead Pollution in Bangladesh
Despite the severe prevalence of lead pollution in Bangladesh, awareness remains limited. Bangladesh ranks fourth globally in lead pollution. Lead is extremely toxic to humans and the environment, especially harmful to children and pregnant women. No safe level of lead exposure exists, and once in the body, it can cause permanent damage to the neurological and cardiovascular systems. Sources of lead are widespread and can be found in daily commodities like spices, paint, cookware, toys, etc. In Bangladesh, about 60% of children (about 36 million) suffer lead poisoning, resulting in an annual loss of about 20 million IQ points and 140,000 adult cardiac deaths, with an economic cost of US$28,633 million, equivalent to 6-9% of the country’s GDP. Lead in the blood of pregnant women poses additional risks, including miscarriage and stillbirths.
Many everyday products may contain lead, such as wall paint, aluminum and ceramic utensils, spices, children’s toys, cosmetics, and even fish feed. Unsafe recycling practices, particularly the breaking and melting of lead-acid batteries in open areas, contribute significantly to environmental lead pollution.
International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action
Every year, International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is convened by the World Health Organization to bring together general people, development workers, civil society organizations, health partners, practitioners, researchers, government representatives, policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders to remind the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action to protect health and environment.
This year, the twelfth International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) will be observed from October 20 to October 26. The focus of this year’s campaign is “Bright Futures Begin Lead-Free”. The United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on governments, civil society, healthcare workers, and the public to take urgent action to protect children from the harmful effects of lead.
Pure Earth Bangladesh is observing the week with various offline and online campaigns; engaging the youth leaders, UN agencies, NGOs & INGOs, governments, policymakers, environmental rights activists, media workers, civil society members, and many other relevant stakeholders. These activities aim to raise awareness of lead pollution and strengthen youth and community voices for strong advocacy to achieve a lead-free reality.
Raising Awareness on Lead through Rallies, Human Chains, and Discussion Sessions at 34 districts
YouthNet Global and Pure Earth Bangladesh are jointly organizing rallies, human chains, and discussion sessions in 34 districts with support from UNICEF. The areas include Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Bandarban, Narayanganj and many others.
These events will be conducted in partnership with local authorities, including the Department of Environment (DoE), UN agencies, NGOs, youth groups, local leaders, religious leaders, social workers, the local media (press clubs), community representatives, and other stakeholders.
Objectives:
- Raise awareness among communities and local authorities about the impact of lead and potential solutions. Educate children, students, and parents on lead risks and encourage action.
- Empower youth leaders, local leaders, religious leaders, influencers, and community members with knowledge about lead pollution to advocate for better health and environmental rights.
- Engage local government and the Department of Environment (DoE) to address unsafe battery recycling, raise awareness of lead pollution laws, and strengthen partnerships.
- Educate environmental and youth activists to advocate for lead pollution prevention on national and global platforms.
- Elevate lead pollution to a national issue, creating public demand and urging government action.
- Partner with local and national media to raise awareness and increase visibility.
- Maximize outreach by sharing event photos and messages on social media to engage a wider audience.
Seminar on Multisectoral Approach to Build A Lead-Free Future
Pure Earth Bangladesh and North South University (NSU) are jointly organizing an interactive seminar titled “Multisectoral Approach to Build A Lead-Free Future” on October 23, at the NSU auditorium. This initiative is financially supported by the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM) of the French government under the project “Building Capacity to Reduce Childhood Lead Poisoning in Bangladesh”.
This seminar will bring together students, public health and environmental academicians, governments, environmental activists, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the impact of lead on children and take unified actions for solution.
Md. Ziaul Haque, Director of Air Quality Monitoring, Department of Environment will be present as a Special Guest at the event. The seminar will be chaired by Dipak Kumar Mitra, Professor and Dean, School of Health and Life Sciences, North South University.
Members and volunteers of NSU Earth Club, and Public Health and Science Club are providing support to organize the event fruitfully by ensuring everyone’s participation and social media engagement.
Campaign IEC Materials
- Sticker: International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2024
- Leaflet on dangers of lead and solutions
- Banner for district-level rallies, human chains, and discussion events
Press Release
ENG Press Release: Pure Earth Bangladesh together with partners launches a week-long campaign to mark “International Lead Pollution Prevention Week”
ENG Press Release: YouthNet, Pure Earth, and UNICEF Organize Rally, Human Chain, and Discussion to Mark International Lead Pollution Prevention Week
BAN Press Release: আন্তর্জাতিক সিসা দূষণ প্রতিরোধ সপ্তাহ পালনে ইয়ুথনেট, পিওর আর্থ ও ইউনিসেফের র্যালি, মানববন্ধন ও আলোচনা সভার আয়োজন
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