Written by: Rezina Tuladhar

NewYork September 23, 2024. At a recent event hosted by USAID during the UN General Assembly, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli spoke about the importance of creating a lead-free future. He expressed concern about the serious health risks of lead poisoning, especially for children. According to him, nearly half of children in low- and middle-income countries are affected by lead exposure, which can harm their development.

Oli also highlighted the significant economic impact of lead exposure, costing the global economy around $1.4 trillion every year. He called on governments to take strong actions, such as creating regulations to limit or ban lead in various products. He urged international organizations like the UN and the World Health Organization to focus on preventing lead poisoning through public awareness and testing facilities in poorer countries.

Nepal has already made progress in tackling this issue. The country was one of the first to ban leaded gasoline and to regulate lead in paint. In 2023, Nepal implemented strict rules to limit heavy metals in food and infant products, and there are plans for a national assessment of blood lead levels in 2025 to improve health policies further.
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Oli emphasized Nepal’s commitment to working with global partners to ensure that children are

protected from lead exposure and can reach their full potential. The event also included prominent figures like US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation to address this public health threat.