As part of the collaborative pilot project titled “Strengthening Health Systems to Reduce Lead Exposure”, a one-day district-level training workshop on “Monitoring Blood Lead Levels (BLL) in Children” and Home-Based Assessment (HBA) orientation was successfully organized by Pure Earth and Vital Strategies in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, on 21 August 2025.
The workshop served as an important step toward addressing the often overlooked but critical issue of childhood lead exposure. Lead poisoning, commonly referred to as a “silent epidemic”, continues to threaten the health and development of children across the world. Recognizing this, the primary objective of the workshop was to:
- Raise awareness about the serious health risks posed by lead exposure in children.
- Strengthen the knowledge and skills of public health officials and frontline staff in identifying, monitoring, and responding to lead exposure.
- Provide practical guidance on establishing an effective monitoring system for Blood Lead Levels at the district level.
The event brought together 32 participants, including district and block-level health officials, medical officers, laboratory technicians, and other qualified health professionals. Through technical sessions, group discussions, and practical demonstrations, participants were oriented on the importance of systematic BLL monitoring and effective Home-based assessments.
By equipping health workers with the necessary tools and knowledge, this training aimed to build local capacity for timely detection of lead exposure and ensure appropriate follow-up actions to protect children’s health. The interactive format also provided an opportunity for participants to share field-level experiences and challenges, thereby fostering collaboration and peer learning.
This workshop marked another milestone in the ongoing efforts of Pure Earth and Vital Strategies to strengthen health systems in Maharashtra. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting the Public Health Department of Maharashtra in tackling childhood lead exposure through evidence-based interventions, community engagement, and capacity-building of health professionals.
