To commemorate International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) 2023 in Bangladesh, the MoEFCC, together with the DoE, is collaborating with ESDO, MoHFW, DGHS, and UNICEF to convene a national dialogue among the private sector, key policymakers, and the media on “Ending Childhood Lead Poisoning” in Bangladesh. International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) is an initiative of the Lead Paint Alliance. The aim of the week of action is to raise awareness about the health effects of lead exposure, highlight the efforts of countries and partners to prevent lead exposure, particularly in children, and urge further action to eliminate lead paint through regulatory action at the country level.

Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Respected Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) was present as a chief guest at the event. Syed Marghub Murshed, the respected Chairperson of ESDO, and Ms. Emma Brigham, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Bangladesh, were also present at the event as special guests. The event was chaired by Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary (Development Wing), MoEFCC. Maya Vandenent, Chief-Health Section, UNICEF, officially opened the event. Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General, ESDO participated at the event as the moderator. Dr. Priscilla Wobil, Health Specialist, UNICEF Bangladesh along with Siddika Sultana, Executive Director, ESDO, were also present at the event.

Participants from the Bangladesh Paint Manufacturer’s Association (BPMA), Accumulators Battery Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (ABMEAB), Department of Environment (DoE), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), media representatives, Bangladesh Girls Guide Association, and Bangladesh Scouts volunteers were present at the event.