This is the third year of the Strengthening Health Systems to Reduce Lead Exposure project, which is designing and implementing programs that identify, monitor, and reduce childhood lead exposure. Since 2023, Pure Earth, Vital Strategies, and other partners have been working with governments in Colombia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Maharashtra (India), and Peru to strengthen health systems to prevent lead poisoning.
In the past year, this project has taken major steps forward: Over 2,800 children have been tested for lead in Indonesia, India, and Kyrgyzstan. Over 110 health professionals and nearly 30 community leaders have been equipped to recognize, monitor, and respond to lead exposure. Kyrgyzstan will have its first ICP-MS, the gold standard lab method for analyzing lead samples. Investigators have been trained in Pure Earth’s home-based assessment protocol to identify sources of lead in households and communities. And in 2025, Kyrgyzstan now has national data on the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning.
We’re excited to highlight the progress driven by champions in ministries of health, our partners and stakeholders, and Pure Earth teams. Watch the new video to hear directly from health officials in these countries and learn more about key project milestones from the past year.
The video premiered during an International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2025 webinar, Progress in Year 3 of the Project: Strengthening Health Systems to Reduce Lead Exposure. The webinar featured project leaders describing the progress made in planning and implementing blood lead level surveillance programs, conducting home-based source assessments, collaborating with government partners, and plans for the coming year.
Panelists included:
- Drew McCartor, CEO, Pure Earth
- Claudia Gonzalez, Acting Country Director, Pure Earth Colombia
- Indira Zhakipova, Director, Ecois Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Alfi Sina Vinci, Program Lead, Yayasan Pure Earth Indonesia
- Rodrigo Velarde, Country Director, Pure Earth Peru
- Shailesh Patil, Program Director, from PE India Pvt Ltd
- Edwin Siswono, Epidemiologist, Vital Strategies
- Jitendra Chavan, State Program Manager for Maharashtra, Vital Strategies
- Jesica Rodriguez, Environmental Health Consultant, Vital Strategies Colombia
Watch the full webinar recording:
