There must be collaborations between public and private organisations to regulate the use of lead and support safe practices to curb the menace, said speakers at an event yesterday.

They also highlighted the role of media in raising awareness.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry held the national dialogue, marking the first day of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

The dialogue, organised in collaboration with Environment and Social Development Organization  (ESDO) and UNICEF, was held at the Department of Environment auditorium in the capital.

"Around 35.5 million children are affected by lead poisoning in Bangladesh. The country also witnesses 31,000 deaths from it annually," said Anwar Sadat, deputy programme manager of Planning, Monitoring and Research wing of Directorate General of Health Services.

Syed Marghub Morshed, chairperson of ESDO, and Emma Brigham, deputy representative of Unicef Bangladesh,  also spoke at the event.