1. Background and Context
Lead is a highly toxic, non-biodegradable heavy metal that persists in the environment and poses severe risks to ecosystems and human health. Common sources such as informal battery recycling and e-waste discharge contribute to widespread contamination, affecting soil, water, and food systems. Lead exposure disrupts plant growth, poisons livestock, and biomagnifies across food chains.
In Bangladesh, the scale of the crisis is alarming. Approximately 60% of children—around 36 million—are affected by lead poisoning. This results in irreversible neurological damage, an annual loss of nearly 20 million IQ points, and approximately 140,000 adult deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, with an economic impact equivalent to 6–9% of the national GDP.
2. Signing of the MoU
On 16 April 2026, the Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN) and Pure Earth Bangladesh formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Pure Earth’s office in Dhaka.
The agreement was signed by Yudhishtir Chandra Biswas, Executive Director of YOUCAN, and Mitali Das, Country Director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, marking the official launch of a strategic partnership.
3. Purpose of the Partnership
The MoU establishes a collaborative framework to address lead pollution through coordinated, evidence-based actions. Both parties recognize the urgent need to reduce lead exposure, particularly among children and vulnerable communities, and to strengthen national responses through inclusive and sustainable approaches.
4. Key Areas of Collaboration
The partnership will focus on advocacy and policy engagement to promote evidence-based dialogue and strengthen regulatory responses to lead pollution. It will prioritize capacity building through trainings, workshops, and technical sessions to equip youth leaders with knowledge on lead exposure and prevention. The collaboration will also support research-informed initiatives and explore innovative, youth-driven solutions that link environmental protection with public health.
Community engagement will be central, with awareness campaigns, school outreach, and public actions aimed at promoting lead-safe practices. The partnership will further ensure meaningful youth participation in national and global advocacy platforms, including Pure Earth’s Youth Advocacy Forum, alongside joint digital and media outreach through co-developed campaigns, content, and storytelling initiatives.
5. Roles and Contributions
Under this collaboration, Pure Earth Bangladesh will provide technical expertise, training, resources, and opportunities for youth engagement, including internships and participation in advocacy platforms.
YOUCAN will mobilize its national youth network to implement awareness campaigns, integrate lead pollution into its environmental programs, conduct grassroots outreach, and contribute to advocacy, research dissemination, and community storytelling.
6. Expected Impact
Through this partnership, both organizations aim to increase awareness of lead exposure and prevention across communities, strengthen youth-led advocacy and leadership in environmental health, support evidence-based policymaking and national dialogue, and reduce risks associated with lead pollution while promoting safer environments.
7. Way Forward
This MoU reflects a shared commitment to tackling one of the most critical yet underrecognized environmental health challenges in Bangladesh. By combining scientific expertise with youth-driven action, YOUCAN and Pure Earth Bangladesh aim to accelerate progress toward a lead-safe future.
The partnership sets the foundation for long-term collaboration, ensuring that knowledge, advocacy, and action translate into measurable impact for communities across the country.