Join us for a vital discussion on lead poisoning, a pressing environmental health issue. Let’s come together to explore its impact, share knowledge, and develop strategies to combat this threat.
Event Format: Digital | June 25th 2024
Session 1 10:30 AM – 12: 00 Noon
Session 2 7:30 PM -9:30 PM
The Colloquia aims to bring together experts, stakeholders, and policymakers from different countries in Asia to discuss the current state of lead poisoning research, policy frameworks, and prevention strategies. This colloquia hosted by Advanced Study Institute of Asia at SGT University in collaboration with Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) aims to serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing, policy dialogue, and collective action to address the critical issue of lead poisoning in India and South Asia. The goal is to identify gaps and limitations in existing policies and research and to propose recommendations for strengthening the policy framework and research agenda on lead poisoning in Asia.
Register Here | Session 1: https://streamyard.com/watch/XEhHnuBXPPBe | Session 2: https://streamyard.com/watch/dGGSkqeF8V3Y
Key Insights
1. Lead poisoning is a significant public health concern in South Asia, contributing to 4.6 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and 165,000 deaths annually in India alone.
2. Up to 800 million children have blood lead levels at or above 5 micrograms per µg/dL. Nearly half of these children live in South Asia.
3. Average BLLs are notably 5-10 times higher in Asia compared to high-income countries.
4. Due to lead exposure, India and China collectively account for around 60% of the current DALY burden.
5. India accounts for over a quarter of all global deaths due to lead exposure, and half of all children in the country have unsafe blood lead levels.
Recommended Readings
- Background Note on Lead Poisoning by ASIA
- Progress and Policy Colloquia – Concept Note by ASIA
- Colloquia Agenda
Session Details
Panel Session 1: Evidence-Based Assessment and Policy Interventions
10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon IST
Using evidence and research to understand the extent and impact of lead poisoning in South Asia, as well as discussing potential policy interventions to address and prevent the issue.
Speaker Details
Dr. Indu Bhushan – Chair
Dr. Satish Sinha – Lead Paint Regulations in India and Approaches to improve
Compliance for Public Health Protection
Bjorn Larsen -Addressing Lead Exposure in South Asia through Evidence-Based
Policy
Jeiel Guarino – Eliminating Lead Paint Globally: Insights from IPEN’s Work
Shipra Agarwal – Moderator
Panel Session 2: Addressing Lead Poisoning in South Asia: Impact, Challenges, & Policy Solutions
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM IST
Discussing deeper into the challenges of lead poisoning in South Asia and explores policy solutions to tackle the issue.
Speaker Details
Dr. Indu Bhushan – Key Note Speaker
Prof. Amogh Rai – Moderator and Chair
Prof. Howard Hu – Early lead exposure and its lasting impacts on cognitive development and
health outcomes
Perry Gottesfeld – The need to improve Environmental and Health Policies in South Asia
Sudha Rajagopalan – The Role of Epidemiology and Public Health in Preventing Lead Poisoning
Collaborating Partners
The Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET) supports the next generation of
emerging economic thinkers through its Young Scholars Initiative (YSI).
As a nonpartisan nonprofit organisation, INET is dedicated to cultivating and
disseminating ideas aimed at revitalizing our economy and fostering
a fairer, more equitable, and prosperous society.
Who should attend?
Our target audience would be the health professionals, researchers, policymakers, government officials involved in public health and environmental protection, representatives from NGOs, academic institutions, industry, and international organizations working on environmental health issues and community members, parents, and individuals interested in learning about lead poisoning prevention.
Watch Session 1: (454) Evidence-Based Assessment and Policy Interventions | Colloquia | Session 1 | ASIA – YouTube
