Kyrgyzstan is preparing for a large-scale measurement of lead levels in the blood of children at the age from 12 months to six years old. The website of the Republican Center for Health Promotion and Mass Communication reported.
It is noted that this is the first such study in the country. Specialists from the National Institute of Public Health, the Republican Center for Health Promotion, and health promotion offices under the patronage of the Ministry of Health are working on the project. A team from the Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance will also take part in it.
The study will be divided into three main components.
First, it is planned to conduct an information and educational campaign covering parents and health workers in order to raise awareness of the problem of lead poisoning and its consequences.
Second, an assessment of the spread of lead in the blood of children will be conducted, which is critical for forming an idea of the current situation.
Third, experts will assess the environment for sources of lead pollution, both natural and anthropogenic.
«In preparation for the first component, health promotion specialists underwent training on effective communication with the population about the planned study. The training consisted of theoretical and practical classes, as a result of which the participants acquired an in-depth understanding of the impact of lead and its sources on the body, as well as the importance of and measures to prevent lead poisoning,» the statement says.
The problem of lead in the Kyrgyz Republic has not been sufficiently studied, despite the presence of significant sources of pollution in the republic, such as tailings, waste dumps, as well as handicraft production facilities working with metal, in particular with old batteries.
In addition, the population is exposed to lead through a number of consumer goods, such as dishes, paints, spices and food products. Lead, being a toxic metal, even in small concentrations can have serious negative consequences for human health, especially for children. Studies show that exposure to lead can lead to developmental delays, decreased cognitive function, behavioral and other health problems.
The results of the study will form the basis for the development of targeted public health programs aimed at reducing exposure to lead and preventing its negative impact on children’s health.
It was reported earlier that the Ministry of Health, ECOIS-Bishkek NGO and the charitable organization Pure Earth (USA) signed a Memorandum on the implementation of a five-year project Strengthening Health Systems to Reduce Lead Exposure.
