Tool 4: Developing a country strategy and action plan for a lead-free future for every child

The purpose of this tool is to provide guidance to national governments developing strategies to ensure a lead-free future for every child. The tool proposes the use of a ‘whole of government’ and multi-stakeholder approach – a deliberate effort to coordinate the work of multiple agencies and non-governmental stakeholders – and a set of steps to developing country-specific strategies to end childhood lead poisoning by 2040. 

This tool first describes considerations before developing a national strategy, then details the need to bring together diverse stakeholders, including a multi-government approach, and finally outlines key considerations in developing a national lead-free strategy. This is Tool 4 of a total of 12 in the Toolkit to End Childhood Lead Poisoning that cover various topics related to lead poisoning. Together the tools form a complete primer on identifying, assessing and mitigating childhood lead exposure. The toolkit does not itself constitute adequate guidance for the development and implementation of such programmes. Rather, key considerations are outlined and a preliminary list of possible actions is presented. 

Further guidance should be sought from experienced organizations or experts, including local authorities, before designing or executing the work described.