Introduction
As part of Development Consortium’s commitment to Health and Environmental Safety, the Eliminating Lead Hazards for Child Health program tackles one of the most urgent yet overlooked threats to children’s well-being—lead poisoning. Affecting an estimated 190 million children in India, lead exposure leads to irreversible brain damage, anemia, stunted growth, and long-term developmental challenges.
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The program focuses on removing a key source of this exposure: lead in architectural and home-use paints. By working across the paint value chain—including manufacturers, policymakers, and public health actors—the initiative aims to eliminate lead from consumer products and create safer living environments, especially in low-income and underserved communities.
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Launched in India in 2024–2025, the program began by building robust evidence, mapping high-risk entry points, and designing targeted interventions to reduce paint-related lead exposure. Through its advocacy and technical support, the initiative contributes to broader public health goals and strengthens protections for the country’s most vulnerable children.
Program Components
In 2025, this program concentrated its efforts in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, three states selected for their diverse industrial and geographical contexts. The program conducted a comprehensive paint market assessment across these regions, mapping both the organized and unorganized sectors. This assessment was essential in identifying key manufacturers, informal suppliers, and retail distribution channels where lead-containing paints are still in circulation.
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The child health and lead program also began engaging with regulatory and public health stakeholders to better understand the landscape of enforcement and opportunities for systemic reform. With the hiring of an in-country Program Manager, the initiative strengthened its presence on the ground, enabling deeper insights into market dynamics and improved coordination with local partners. These efforts are laying the groundwork for future policy engagement, awareness campaigns, and technical support to paint manufacturers to eliminate lead from their formulations.
Impact (2024–25)
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Launched formal operations in India with a dedicated Program Manager
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Conducted in-depth paint market assessments in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan
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Identified critical gaps in lead regulation and enforcement
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Mapped key actors across the paint manufacturing value chain
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Initiated strategic planning for state-specific interventions in 2025