Bhutan's Ministry of Health and UNICEF Bhutan jointly organised a lead poisoning prevention programme on 23 October 2026 in Thimphu, according to a UNICEF press release of the same date. More than 100 representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises at the Bjemina Industrial Estate took part, producing bricks, furniture, fabricated products, windows and glass items. It was the first time representatives from these industries were engaged in such prevention efforts, the release said.

Participants discussed reducing exposure at home and in the workplace, including the safety of commonly used cookware, and their work equipment and personal jewellery were tested for lead; all items tested were found to be lead-free. The release cited Gidakom resident Kinley Zam, who said her five-year-old daughter's blood lead level fell from 31 µg/dL to 4.8 µg/dL within seven months, below the WHO threshold of 5 µg/dL.

The release said Bhutan's first National Blood Lead Level Survey, in 2024, found that 76 per cent of young children had unsafe blood lead levels, with elevated levels also detected among women and children in monastic institutions. More than 300 primary health workers have since been trained on environmental health risks. A national prevention strategy has been endorsed by the Office of the Prime Minister, a national framework has been submitted to the Cabinet for approval, and clinical guidelines are being finalised; once endorsed, chelation therapy would be introduced at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, the release said.