USAID Administrator Samantha Power has many pots boiling on the humanitarian and development stove, so why is the lead poisoning initiative featured so prominently in UNGA this week? Her interview with Amna Nawaz of PBS’ Newshour highlights the numbers behind this silent killer. Lead poisoning kills 1.5 million people per year, more than HIV and malaria combined. This is an incredible statistic when you realize the toll HIV and malaria took separately only decades ago. Her focus on lead poisoning, bringing it to the attention of visiting heads of state, raises awareness that 1 in 2 children suffer from lead poisoning from paint, spices, cosmetics, pots and pans, and other consumer products.
At this point, it is unclear that the $150 million committed by the Partnership for a Lead Free Future — comprised of USAID, UNICEF, Open Philanthropy, and the Clinton Global Initiative — will result in implementable programs. The announcements feature cost-effective ways in which countries have mitigated the impact of lead through government initiatives. The initial plan is to conduct blood level surveys and environmental testing to identify areas most at risk. Certain activities implemented by USAID funding will entail a “do not harm” approach to limit lead exposure. Ultimately, the private sector will be the target of engagement to eliminate lead from their products.
Read Administrator Power’s Opinion piece in the Washington Post here.