Childhood lead poisoning remains a pressing but often under-recognized public health issue in India. Even low levels of lead exposure can have irreversible impacts on children’s health – affecting brain development, learning capacity, and overall growth. Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.
Taking a step forward in the fight against childhood lead exposure, Pure Earth and Vital Strategies organized a one-day district-level training in Dharashiv, Maharashtra, on 18 September 2025. The workshop, held under the pilot project “Strengthening Health Systems to Reduce Lead Exposure,” focused on monitoring Blood Lead Levels (BLL) in Children and conducting Home-Based Assessments (HBA).
The project is being implemented in collaboration with Pure Earth, Vital Strategies, and the Public Health Department of Maharashtra. Together, the partners have identified eight districts across the state for targeted interventions. So far, district level training sessions have been completed in four districts (Pune, Thane, Kolhapur & Dharashiv), equipping government officials (Qualified Health Professionals & Community Health Workers) with the tools they need to safeguard children from lead exposure.
Training Highlights
- Blood Lead Level (BLL) Testing: Participants received hands-on training on the procedures and importance of BLL testing — the gold standard method for detecting lead exposure. A special focus was given to conducting testing in children aged 1 to 6 years, who are most vulnerable to lead’s harmful effects.
- Orientation on Home-Based Assessment (HBA): The session also introduced practical methods to identify potential sources of lead exposure within households, including cookware, paint, toys, cosmetics and contaminated spices.
A total of 33 government officials attended the training including Qualified Health Professionals & Community Health Workers.
Moving Forward
With Dharashiv joining the list of covered districts, this pilot project continues to progress toward its goal of empowering all eight identified districts in Maharashtra to tackle childhood lead poisoning. Each training session not only builds technical expertise but also creates a ripple effect of awareness and action to reduce childhood lead exposure.
Through this ongoing collaboration between Pure Earth, Vital Strategies, and the Public Health Department of Maharashtra, the project is helping to create a safer, healthier environment where every child can grow and thrive free from the dangers of lead.
