The PLF Secretariat

3 July 2025, Behara Commune, Amboasary District, Anosy Region, Madagascar. As part of UNICEF’s prevention efforts, life skills and positive parenting programmes are being implemented in collaboration with regional youth and population authorities.

The Partnership for a Lead-Free Future (PLF) Secretariat is housed in UNICEF and provides overall coordination, governance, and knowledge management for the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future. The PLF is mobilizing resources, generating awareness, and uniting governments, civil society, and the private sector to end childhood lead poisoning by 2040. 

As part of its governance function, the Secretariat is working with partners on a governance structure and leading the development of a roadmap to end childhood lead poisoning by 2040, with interim targets for 2030 and 2035. 

The Secretariat facilitates coordination of stakeholders engaged in childhood lead poisoning prevention by tracking activities, documenting the work of PLF partners and helping them stay informed and aligned. It also aims to match country needs with technical assistance and donor investments, ensuring resources are mobilized effectively. 

In its role as a knowledge hub to strengthen the evidence base and empower stakeholders to take effective action, the Secretariat develops and shares practical resources—including toolkits, webinars, and expert videos—that support governments, partners, and communities.

PLF coordination mechanism graphic
Abdullah Fadil

Director

Abdullah A. Fadil is the Director of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future (PLF) Secretariat. He has over 25 years of experience in humanitarian relief, peace-building, and international development across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. He previously served as UNICEF Representative in Pakistan and Sudan and in senior leadership roles with the UN in Syria, Jordan, Jerusalem and New York, including with the OPCW-UN Joint Mission and the UN Humanitarian Monitoring Mechanism. Mr. Fadil holds two Master of Science degrees: in Public Policy and Management from SOAS, and in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the London School of Economics.