Dhaka: Almost four out of ten children in Bangladesh have worrisome levels of lead in their blood, according to a recent survey conducted by BBS and UNICEF. The findings reveal that 38% of children aged 12-59 months and nearly 8% of pregnant women have blood lead levels above safe thresholds, with Dhaka being the most affected area at 65%.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), in partnership with UNICEF and other collaborators, unveiled the preliminary findings of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025 (MICS 2025) at a program in the capital. This survey, recognized as the most comprehensive assessment of children and women in Bangladesh, was based on data from nearly 63,000 households. It aims to guide policies and programs by revealing progress and ongoing challenges in children's health, nutrition, protection, and development.
The survey encompasses 172 standard and 27 SDG indicators, aligning with both national priorities and global standards. It provides estimates for all divisions, districts, and three city corporations, thus aiding policymakers in addressing inequalities. Aleya Akter, the Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, highlighted the survey's relevance, noting its expanded scope to include new modules like anaemia testing and heavy metal exposure assessments among pregnant women and young children.
UNICEF emphasized that lead poisoning poses a significant threat to brain development, affecting various socio-economic groups. Over half of the children in the richest quintile and 30% in poorer groups are impacted. The survey also points out rising malnutrition, with wasting increasing from 9.8% in 2019 to 12.9% in 2025. Maternal anemia remains high at 52.8%, and the adolescent birth rate has risen from 83 to 92 per 1,000 girls, underscoring the urgent need for improved maternal and child nutrition, breastfeeding, and expanded health services.
Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, stated that MICS 2025 comes at a crucial time for the country, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges. While there have been declines in child marriage and child mortality, issues like lead poisoning and child labor continue to undermine children's potential. The survey revealed that child labor now involves 9.2% of children aged 5-17, up from 6.8% in 2019, putting 1.2 million more children at risk.
Despite a decline in child marriage from 51.4% in 2019 to 47%, nearly half of the girls still marry before 18. Additionally, only 59% of children under five are registered, and 47% have birth certificates, leaving many without legal identity or access to services. Investing in child protection offers significant returns, with each dollar invested yielding ninefold social and economic benefits. There is an urgent need to strengthen protection systems, expand social services, and empower adolescents to ensure all children grow up safe and reach their potential.
Health indicators reveal ongoing gaps, with neonatal mortality remaining high at 22 per 1,000 live births, accounting for 67% of under-five deaths. Rising C-section rates, now at 75% in institutional births, pose health and financial risks. Only 46% of women receive antenatal care within the first four months, highlighting the necessity to improve maternal services.
Sanitation access has improved to 73%, but safely managed water has declined to 39.3%, with widespread bacterial contamination affecting over 106 million people. Nearly half of the water sources and over 80% of household samples are contaminated with E. coli. Climate-related hazards impacted 10.2% of water sources last year, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.
While primary school enrollment remains high at 80%, attendance declines significantly at higher levels. Many children complete primary schooling without mastering basic skills, and about 6-7% of primary-age children remain out of school. Innovative strategies are required to ensure both attendance and effective learning.