Global Alliance on Health and Pollution

GAHP’s Chair, Raymond Ruyoka, attended the Extraordinary AU Summit on the Post-Malabo CAADP Agenda in Kampala, Uganda (January 9–11, 2025). Bringing together African Heads of State and African Union leaders, the summit marked the adoption of the CAADP Declaration, reinforcing a shared commitment to building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that drive food security, climate adaptation, and economic growth across Africa. GAHP supports CAADP’s vision as we believe a healthy food system begins with a clean environment. Our work to reduce agricultural pollution and promote safe pesticide use aligns with CAADP’s vision for sustainable farming and resilient food systems. More details about CAADP’s strategy & action plan: https://lnkd.in/g8U7tnHk #GAHP #CAADPKampala25 #TheTimeToActIsNow

Upcoming Event: SIE National Conclave on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ 2025)  📅 February 14-15, 2025 📍 IIT Delhi 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/gDVaHnzR 📢 Prof. Mukesh Khare, GAHP Board Member and a leading expert in air quality and indoor environmental quality will deliver a keynote on "Perspective of Indoor Environment in India" at IEQ 2025. This event, organized by the Society for Indoor Environment (SIE) will gather experts for insightful discussions on improving Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and its impact on health.

To celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we honor the incredible women at GAHP—our advisors and board members—who are driving impactful solutions at the intersection of science, health, and environmental action. Through their expertise and dedication, they contribute to evidence-based solutions that address pollution and public health challenges, shaping a cleaner, healthier future for all. Their work highlights the importance of inclusivity in science and policy, ensuring that diverse voices and knowledge drive meaningful change. Join us in celebrating these changemakers and the vital role of women in science! ✨ #GAHP #WomenGirlsinScienceDay

Did you know that lead poisoning is a global health crisis affecting 1 in 3 children worldwide? Studies in selected countries have uncovered alarming levels of lead contamination in everyday items, including spices like turmeric. For example, in some low and middle-income countries (LMICs), lead contamination of turmeric can pose health risks. Researchers found that lead-chromate pigments were used to brighten turmeric’s color, leading to dangerous exposure levels, especially in children and pregnant women (UNICEF and Pure Earth, The Toxic Truth, 2020, p.31). Lead poisoning remains a silent threat, especially in vulnerable communities. At GAHP, we are dedicated to improving health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by raising awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and advocating for stronger safety standards. Explore how GAHP is advocating for safer standards here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gdNDiVbt #GAHP #LeadPoisoning #LeadFreeFuture

The report, "Target Product Profile: Rapid, Accessible, and Low-Cost Blood Lead Level Testing", by Homeworld Collective is now available. It emphasizes the urgent need for affordable and scalable tools to measure blood lead levels, a step in tackling the global crisis of lead poisoning, which affects an estimated 800 million children worldwide. As part of our commitment to advancing the mission of eliminating lead poisoning, GAHP was proud to contribute to revising the text for this important report. Learn more about this initiative and its potential to protect future generations: 👉Homeworld Collective’s blog: https://lnkd.in/g9rK3GUG 👉Full report: https://lnkd.in/g6cQtEjC

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! 🧧🐍 Lunar New Year, or Tết is widely celebrated across many parts of Asia, including Vietnam, where GAHP collaborates with local partners. It is a time of joy, reflection, renewal, and unity. As we embrace the Year of the Snake, GAHP extends its warmest wishes to everyone in Vietnam and beyond. May this year bring wisdom, resilience, and meaningful progress as we continue working together to address global health and environmental challenges. #Tet2025 #YearOfTheSnake #GAHP

At GAHP, we recognize that clean energy is a cornerstone of a healthier, more sustainable planet. Through our work addressing pollution and promoting sustainability, we are proud to support initiatives that advance cleaner energy systems and protect environmental health worldwide. 🌱 In Vietnam, our Environmental Pollution Programme (EPP) works to reduce burning and encourages sustainable agricultural methods. These efforts indirectly lower emissions, conserve energy, and contribute to a greener future. 🔋 In the Mercosur region, we champion the principles of the circular economy of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULABs). By advancing responsible recycling practices, we mitigate environmental and energy costs, prevent diseases caused by improper disposal, and foster a cleaner energy lifecycle. Achieving a clean energy future requires policies that prioritize sustainability, health, and equity. Together, we can advocate for solutions that ensure clean, safe, and accessible energy for all while protecting the planet for generations to come What clean energy solutions inspire you the most? Share with us below! 💬 #CleanEnergyDay #SustainableRecycling #GAHP

Lead pollution is a silent threat that poses a significant public health risk. Children and vulnerable populations face severe health impacts, including developmental delays and neurological damage. Despite these risks, public awareness remains low, demanding urgent multi-sectoral action. GAHP, in collaboration with National Environment Management Authority Uganda (NEMA), is launching a Lead Pollution Awareness Campaign in Kampala, guided by findings from a comprehensive preliminary assessment done by the Lead Working Group in Uganda. To kickstart this important initiative, we’re hosting a Strategic Planning Meeting and Press Conference: 🗓 Date: January 23, 2025 ⏰ Time: 08:30 AM to 04:00 PM (UTC+3) 📍 Venue: Hotel Africana, Kampala This event will bring together key stakeholders to finalize the strategic framework for the campaign. GAHP aims to raise awareness and mobilize action to address lead pollution in Uganda. Learn more about GAHP's initiatives to address lead pollution in Uganda 👉 https://lnkd.in/gdNDiVbt This work is supported by the Republic and Canton of Geneva. #GAHP #LeadPollution #LeadFreeFuture #Uganda

Lead is often used as a glaze in ceramics and cookware to protect earthenware from corrosion and provide a shiny, waterproof coating. This practice has been a tradition in many cultures, where artisanal pottery with leaded glazes is still widely used for cooking and serving food. However, acidic foods like lime juice and tomato sauce, combined with high heat, can cause lead to leaching into meals. Home-based pottery workshops expose families, especially children, to harmful lead dust. Studies show alarmingly high blood lead levels in children from pottery-producing homes, with surveys done in the tested region, revealing that at least 1 million children aged 1–4 (22% of the study population) are at risk (UNICEF and Pure Earth, The Toxic Truth, 2020, p.40). Lead poisoning poses serious health risks, especially for children, affecting their development, behavior, and long-term well-being. Join GAHP in improving global health outcomes by addressing lead pollution. #GAHP #LeadPoisoning #LeadFreeFuture

Read the press release: https://bit.ly/4ajaoMe (Spanish & Portuguese versions included) On January 7, 2025, a Presidential Decree was published endorsing the Brazilian National Congress's amendment to Article 49 of Law Nº 12.305 (2010), which governs the National Policy on Solid Waste. This decision promotes formal reverse logistics, making recycling hazardous waste from exported products easier. This achievement reflects years of collaboration led by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) within the MERCOSUR SGT 6 (Sub-Group of Work No. 6). Judith Torres, Advisory Office for Cooperation and International Relations, Ministry of Environment, Uruguay, emphasised the broader significance of this effort: “This milestone demonstrates the power of regional collaboration in addressing critical environmental and public health challenges.”  By addressing informal recycling practices, the amendment reduces health risks like lead exposure, which can cause serious cardiovascular and developmental issues. #GAHP #ULABS #Brazil