In a significant move to address the pervasive issue of lead exposure in Bangladeshi children, the United States has pledged $1.1 million for a nationwide survey. The announcement was made by Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), during the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
The survey, set to be conducted through Unicef’s 2024 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, aims to assess blood lead levels in children under five years old. Lead poisoning poses a severe threat to children, making them highly susceptible to its toxic effects.
Administrator Power emphasized the urgent need for resources and action to combat this often overlooked issue, affecting one in two children in low- and middle-income countries. USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman expressed the initiative’s significance in understanding the extent of lead exposure’s impact on Bangladeshi children and mobilizing actions to safeguard the nation from this harmful substance.
Globally, lead poisoning claims the lives of over 1.6 million people annually, surpassing mortality from HIV and malaria combined. The majority of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Lead, a potent neurotoxin with no safe exposure level, can cause severe brain damage, hindering educational attainment and reducing future productivity.
Administrator Power urged for increased funding toward lead mitigation efforts in low- and middle-income countries, currently only amounting to approximately $15 million annually. She advocated for a global initiative to enforce regulations restricting lead in consumer goods such as paint, spices, and cosmetics.
The announcement includes USAID’s commitment to join the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, becoming the first bilateral development agency to do so. This partnership, involving agencies like the US Centers for Disease Control and Environmental Protection Agency, aligns with President Biden and Vice President Harris’s vision for a lead-free future. The Biden-Harris Administration prioritizes protecting communities worldwide from lead exposure, demonstrating a commitment to a healthier future.
