Experts addressed the pressing but oft-ignored issue of lead poisoning
Pahle India Foundation concluded the first International Convening of its kind, titled Lead Poisoning in India: Status, Challenges, and Way Forward.
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist and Chairperson, MSSRF along with Sweety L Changsan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare inaugurated the conference. They also launched five research reports undertaken by the research policy think tank with its partners, on various facets of the issue.
The hybrid event brought together 60+ experts, policymakers, scientists, doctors and representatives from multilateral institutions from the US, Bangladesh and across India to address the pressing but oft-ignored issue of lead poisoning. Panelists discussed the prevalence, sources, challenges of testing and the latest in research and innovations to tackle this public health crisis. This gathering of stakeholders was called to deliberate on the path forward and discuss the need for collaborative effort.
Supported by Open Philanthropy and Vital Strategies as the knowledge partner, the convening featured insightful panel discussions, scientific presentations, and networking opportunities. The keynote address was delivered by Prof Philip J Landrigan, one of the world's most eminent lead experts from Boston College.
Dr Bhushan, Chair of the India Working Group on Lead Poisoning and Distinguished Fellow, Pahle India Foundation remarked in his inaugural address, “Because the extent of lead exposure is invisible, it has largely been overlooked in our country. A recent survey we conducted in Jharkhand revealed a distressing reality: a large majority of our doctors and health workers are not even aware of the issue of lead poisoning.” He also said, “By the end of today’s convening, I hope we will arrive at a specific call to action—a plan that we can all commit to, and that will set us on the path to eradicating lead poisoning in India.”
Dr Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist and Chairperson, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation said, "80 per cent of our health depends on factors outside health sectors, like housing, air, sanitation etc. That means it will take a whole systems approach to deal with a health issue like lead poisoning is not up to the Health Ministry alone, but will need a multisectoral approach."
Notable panellists included Dr Howard Hu, Professor at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California; Dr M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi, Dr Santasabuj Das, Director, ICMR-NIOH and others. The panels were chaired by Dr Rajiv Kumar, Chairman of Pahle India Foundation (Former Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog) and Dr Indu Bhushan, Chair of the India Working Group on Lead Poisoning (Distinguished Fellow, Pahle India Foundation).