Lesotho is experiencing increasing risks of environmental lead exposure, especially in peri-urban areas, regions impacted by mining, and homes utilising informal cooking utensils. Lead poisoning has a disproportionate effect on children and pregnant women, resulting in cognitive impairments, developmental delays, and enduring health issues. While current regulatory frameworks have made progress in monitoring industrial pollution and enforcing lead safety regulations, adherence to these behaviors remains low, which limits the effectiveness of preventive actions.
We are supporting UNICEF and the Government of Lesotho in conducting a comprehensive Child Environmental Health (CEH) assessment and lead exposure in Lesotho. Using these findings we will are supporting the development of Communication Plan, carryout a behaviour change campaign on lead positioning and advocacy and lobbying for policy makers to prioritise lead poisoning in legislation, policy and monitoring.
This work is premised on a scientifically supported intervention aimed at incorporating behavioral science, social mobilisation, and policy advocacy into Lesotho's public health strategies to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.
The proposed conceptual framework for this campaign outlines a multi-level approach to understanding and mitigating childhood lead poisoning in Lesotho. It acknowledges that climate change and environmental degradation intensify existing vulnerabilities. This framework incorporates both the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behavior) and the Social-Ecological Model to pinpoint key factors influencing behaviors related to lead exposure. Effective interventions must tackle the intricate interaction of individual capacities, social influences, environmental opportunities, and systemic policies to achieve a sustainable reduction in lead exposure among children. This framework will guide the development of tailored interventions aimed at preventing and mitigating lead poisoning in Lesotho.
The primary objective of this component is to support UNICEF and the Government of Lesotho in identifying environmental health policy priorities through strengthened evidence generation, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and foundational public awareness. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive baseline assessment and a systematic process of stakeholder interviews, specifically focusing on environmental and climate-related hazards impacting children in Lesotho. The output will serve to inform national frameworks and facilitate evidence-based policy interventions.
This integrated approach is expected to lead to a significant reduction in lead exposure levels, particularly among children and pregnant women in Lesotho. By fostering behavioral change, empowering communities, and strengthening policy frameworks, the intervention aims to achieve lasting impact and sustainability. Regular monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and make necessary adjustments to ensure its long-term success.