Aizawl: The Mizoram State Health Care Society (MSHCS) and Pahlé India Foundation (PIF) have signed an agreement to study lead poisoning in the state, aiming to assess its impact and identify sources of contamination.
State-Led Initiative to Assess Lead Exposure
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Aizawl under the State Health Agency – Mizoram, Health and Family Welfare Department. The study, conducted under the India-Lead Elimination Action Partnership (i-LEAP) by PIF, will evaluate lead exposure among vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women.
According to the World Health Organization, lead is one of the ten most hazardous chemicals affecting public health. Studies suggest that nearly one in two children in India has elevated blood lead levels, leading to potential cognitive and physical impairments.
Study to Identify Contamination Sources
The partnership aims to conduct a situational analysis with three key objectives:
Blood lead level assessments: Screening children and pregnant women for lead exposure.
Environmental contamination analysis: Examining soil, water, food items, cosmetics, spices, paint, and cookware for lead content.
Regulatory and healthcare system evaluation: Reviewing existing policies and assessing the state’s healthcare system’s capacity to mitigate lead poisoning.
Evidence-Based Public Health Approach
Dr. Biakthansangi, CEO of MSHCS, emphasized that the study will help the Mizoram government design targeted public health interventions. Dr. Indu Bhushan, President of i-LEAP, highlighted that scientific evidence will be crucial in strengthening regulations and reducing lead exposure in the state.
With this initiative, Mizoram joins efforts to address a critical but often overlooked public health challenge, aiming for long-term policy changes based on scientific findings.
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