Strengthening Health Systems to Reduce Lead Exposure

A partnership between Pure Earth, Vital Strategies, and the Ministries of Health in Colombia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Maharashtra, India, and Peru to strengthen each country’s national healthcare system to better prevent, identify, and treat lead poisoning.

Today, 1 in 3 children – 800 million – have enough lead in their blood to cause permanent neurological, cognitive, and physical harm.

An estimated 292 million lead-poisoned children live in Colombia, India, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Maharashtra (India), and Peru.

Over the next 5 years, the ministries of health in these 5 countries and states will design and implement new national programs to identify, monitor and reduce lead exposure. By enhancing clinical education and guidelines, strengthening health surveillance technology, and educating teachers and parents on the dangers of lead, countries will be able to better protect children and future generations from lead poisoning.

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Global Project Update: International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2024


Join Pure Earth and Vital Strategies during International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week for a Briefing on the Progress of Blood Lead Level Surveillance in 5 Countries.

This webinar will highlight the progress made in strengthening national healthcare systems in Colombia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Maharashtra, India, and Peru to prevent, identify, and treat lead poisoning. The conversation will feature project leaders discussing key progress in establishing blood lead level surveillance, collaborations with government partners, and the future impact of the data collected on national policies to combat lead exposure.

Speakers include:

  • Drew McCartor, Executive Director, Pure Earth
  • Lizeth Olaya, Country Director, Pure Earth Colombia
  • Indira Zhakipova, Director, Ecois Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
  • Budi Susilorini, Director, Yayasan Pure Earth Indonesia 
  • Rodrigo Velarde, Country Director, Pure Earth Peru
  • Yi Lu, Senior Program Manager, Vital Strategies
  • Yatin Pimple, Technical Advisor, Environmental Health Surveillance, Vital Strategies

Moderated by Caroline Baylor, the webinar will include a brief video featuring statements from Health Ministries, then a project overview followed by a panel discussion, and audience Q&A. 

To learn more about this project, watch this short video featuring stakeholders from each of the five participating countries.

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A Global Initiative

Learn more about each project in Colombia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Peru, and Maharashtra, India.

Funding for this project is provided by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Learn more about Takeda’s Global CSR Program.