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During a joint visit by the Resident Coordinator, Mr. Gaurav Ray, and UNICEF Representative, Ms. Rushnan Murtaza, ongoing blood lead level assessments were observed. The assessments are part of a national initiative to better understand and address lead exposure. Among those present was 10-year-old Tashi Jungsel, calm and composed as he underwent testing. These individual moments are part of a much larger national effort. For five weeks, blood lead level testing was conducted among sick children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and adults most at risk. The results will inform the development of Bhutan’s first National Lead Poisoning Clinical Guideline, helping ensure timely care and stronger protections for families.With support from UNICEF, including lead testing equipment, the Ministry of Health and the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan are advancing this critical work to generate evidence and strengthen response systems.The urgency is clear. A national survey found that 76 per cent of young children in Bhutan have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, posing serious risks to their health and learning. In response, the country has already taken important steps: identifying sources of lead in commonly used items such as cookware and kitchen items, spices, toys, and some religious items; increasing awareness among healthcare professionals, parents, teachers, and communities; and working on a long-term strategy.Globally, lead poisoning affects one in three children and contributes to millions of deaths each year. In Bhutan, coordinated action grounded in evidence is already driving meaningful progress. #LeadFreeFuture #LeadFreeBhutan