One in four children has lead in blood, 1.2 Million at risk of child labour: Survey

Child labour has increased across the country, putting an additional 1.2 million children at risk. At the same time, nearly one in four children aged 12–59 months has excess lead in their blood, which directly affects brain development. Preliminary results of the MICS 2025 joint survey by UNICEF and Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics indicate major warning signs for children’s health, protection, and future potential in the country.

On Sunday, November 16, the survey results were presented at an auditorium in Dhaka by BBS Director General Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and UNICEF representative Rana Flowers. The survey covered 63,000 households, revealing stark realities across nutrition, health, education, sanitation, child labour, and violence.

The survey found that 38 percent of children aged 12–59 months have blood lead levels above safe limits. Dhaka has the highest rate at 65 percent. The problem is severe even among affluent families; nearly half of the children affected by pollution come from relatively well-off households. Eight percent of pregnant women also have excess lead in their blood.

Rana Flowers said, “Even though child mortality and child marriage rates have declined, lead pollution and child labour threaten the potential of future generations. Real progress cannot occur unless every child’s right to live, learn, and grow is ensured.”

Compared to 2019, the proportion of low-weight children has risen to 12.9 percent. Maternal anaemia is over 52 percent. Adolescent birth rates are also increasing. The survey warns that without renewed investment in maternal and child nutrition, conditions could worsen.

The survey also showed that child labour among 5–17-year-olds has risen to 9.2 percent, adding another 1.2 million children to the workforce. Recently, 86 percent of children have experienced some form of violence.

Only 59 percent of children under five are registered, and only 47 percent have birth certificates, leaving many children without legal identity or access to government services.

Survey data indicates the neonatal mortality rate is 22 per 1,000 live births, accounting for two-thirds of total child deaths. The C-section rate has risen to 75 percent, and only 46 percent of women receive healthcare in the first four months of pregnancy, a major maternal health gap according to UNICEF.