In collaboration with UNICEF Bangladesh, ESDO and Ban Toxics, Philippines, marked International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW’24) with the launch of the pivotal report, “Silent Poison: Traces of Lead in Childhood Treasures”. This event, hosted at CIRDAP, highlighted the presence of hazardous lead levels in children’s products. Following the report launch, a collaborative policy brief workshop was held to address the essential steps for implementing regulations against lead poisoning and ensuring a safe environment for children.

The event featured active participation from representatives of DoE, BSTI, DGHS, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Commerce, Department of Women Affairs, icddr,b, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), FBCCI, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection along with associations, academicians from various universities, and students from Southeast University and Daffodil International University.

Distinguished attendees included Syed Marghub Murshed, ESDO Chairperson and former Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh; Professor Dr. Abul Hashem, former Chairman, Dept. of Chemistry, Jahangirnagar University; Professor Dr. Md Atiqul Haque, Head of Medical Statistics Division, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University; Dr. Shahriar Hossain, ESDO Secretary General; Siddika Sultana, Executive Director; and Hye Yeon Han, International UN Volunteer for Environmental Health, UNICEF.

Together, we are paving the way toward stronger policies and a safer, lead-free environment for our children.