The Local Development Unit of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services organizes the second advisory session on protecting children and women from lead risks.
The Local Development Unit of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, under the umbrella of the National Alliance, held the second advisory session titled “Protecting Children and Women from the Effects of Lead Exposure” at the Samuel Habib Center in New Nozha.
This session is part of the implementation of a project aimed at protecting children and women from the harmful effects of lead exposure. The project seeks to enhance community awareness at the level of individuals, families, and institutions across various sectors, while promoting positive practices to safeguard the most vulnerable groups—particularly children and pregnant women—from the risk of lead poisoning.
The project spans three years and is implemented in three communities within Greater Cairo (Old Cairo, Imbaba, and Akersha), areas with a significant presence of factories and hazardous industries causing lead pollution.
The session featured presentations on the latest studies and reports addressing the health impacts of lead, particularly on children, pregnant women, and workers directly exposed to this toxic substance. Strategies for mitigating these risks were also highlighted. Additionally, achievements during the project’s first year in partner communities were reviewed.
The event was attended by public figures, civil society leaders, consultants from the Ministry of Labor, the Institute of Nutrition, universities, and the Ministry of Social Solidarity. Representatives from the Ministry of Local Development in various governorates, along with journalists and media professionals, also participated. The attendees engaged in meaningful discussions and shared ideas to enhance community awareness about lead-related risks and preventive measures.
Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration between governmental entities and civil society organizations to raise environmental and health awareness. They also stressed the necessity of taking preventive measures to protect future generations from the harm caused by exposure to toxic substances.
At the conclusion of the session, an agreement was reached to launch a document of principles for protecting children and women through primary care initiatives. Plans were made to organize more awareness-raising activities in various regions to spread knowledge on this critical issue. Additionally, the importance of providing support to families affected by lead pollution was reiterated.
