Towards a Toxic-Free Planet: Addressing lead pollution and exposure in ECOWAS countries

GAHP is UNEP’s implementing partner for activities aimed at preventing or reducing risks associated with lead, including waste lead-acid batteries, throughout their lifecycle, under UNEP’s project titled “Addressing Lead and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)”, co-financed by the European Union.

---

Key activities

• Policy development: Creating a set of global policy options to tackle major sources of lead across economic sectors, forming the basis for broad lead contamination reduction strategies.
• Technical support in ECOWAS countries: Assisting selected ECOWAS countries in implementing lead management strategies, including safe handling and disposal of lead-acid batteries.
• Model law development: Contributing to the finalisation of the module on lead-acid battery management model law text and guidance, to be integrated into UNEP’s broader, holistic approach to battery management.

Expected results

• Comprehensive report on global policy options for lead contamination reduction.
• Documented interventions and technical support in at least four ECOWAS countries.
• Finalised lead-acid battery management model law text and guidance module.
  This collaboration reflects GAHP’s ongoing commitment to strengthening policies, building technical capacity, and supporting countries in reducing pollution-related health risks.