Country Strategy
In support of its mission to empower country-led action, the Partnership provides a generic theory of change to guide country-led strategy development to combat childhood lead poisoning by fostering a whole-of-government approach and ensuring coordinated action across sectors. Central to this strategy is the collection and analysis of data on lead poisoning prevalence and primary sources of exposure, enabling evidence-based targeted and effective interventions that bring childhood blood lead levels down.
The partnership prioritizes a balanced approach, addressing immediate opportunities, or 'low-hanging fruits,' such as enforcing existing regulations, while laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term solutions. Recognizing the critical role of the private sector, the strategy emphasizes engaging businesses as active participants in mitigating lead risks, fostering innovation and scaling impactful solutions. Together, these efforts aim to drive meaningful, measurable progress in creating lead-free environments for children.
Theory of change to end childhood lead poisoning
Georgia takes a comprehensive approach to tackling the childhood lead poisoning crisis
Ending Childhood Lead Poisoning in Georgia: Progress and lessons learned between 2017 and 2023
The Government of Georgia and the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) revealed in 2018 that 41 per cent of children in Georgia had elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). The Government responded decisively by taking immediate actions to address the problem and is following through by implementing a sustainable long-term strategy to assess the situation. Over the last five years, Georgia has significantly upgraded its institutional capabilities, laboratory and surveillance capacity, front line services, regulatory action, enforcement and accountability mechanisms. The Government continues its efforts to identify the exact sources of lead exposure, based on numerous assessments of the potential sources of lead exposure in children.
This case study captures the story to date, documents the key factors contributing to the successes, and provides some lessons learned on how countries can assess and take targeted action to ensure lasting results.