Dhaka tops lead exposure in children, pregnant women

New 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 (65%) being the most affected, according to a survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

Lead poisoning threatens brain development across socio-economic groups, with over half of affected children in the richest quintile and 30% in poorer groups.

Released on Sunday in partnership with Unicef and other partners, the preliminary findings of MICS 2025, based on nearly 63,000 households, provide vital data on children and women, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in health, nutrition, protection, and development.

The survey shows that 1.2 million more children are engaged in child labour in Bangladesh, while almost four out of 10 children have concerning lead levels in their blood.

Based on nearly 63,000 households, MICS 2025 provides vital data to guide policies and programs, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges affecting children's health, nutrition, protection, and development.

It covers 172 standards and 27 SDG indicators, aligned with national priorities and global standards. The survey provides estimates for all divisions, districts, and three city corporations, helping policymakers address inequalities.

"MICS 2025 comes at a critical time for Bangladesh and reflects both progress and ongoing challenges," said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.

"While declines in child marriage and child mortality show what's possible, crises like lead poisoning and child labor are depriving millions of children of their potential, and rising C-section rates threaten women's health. Respecting every child's right to survive, thrive, and learn contributes to a stronger economy. UNICEF commits to supporting the government to turn this data into targeted action that leaves no child behind," she added.

Aleya Akter, Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, noted that the MICS survey is more relevant than ever, given its expanded scope, including new modules on anemia testing and heavy metal exposure among pregnant women and young children.

The survey highlights 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 rose from 83 to 92 per 1,000 girls. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved maternal and child nutrition, breastfeeding, and expanded health services.

Child protection remains a major concern. Child labor now involves 9.2% of children aged 5–17—up from 6.8% in 2019—placing 1.2 million more children at risk, UNICEF said. Violence is widespread, with 86% of children subjected to violent discipline recently.

Child marriage declined from 51.4% in 2019 to 47%, yet nearly half of girls still marry before 18. Only 59% of children under five are registered, and 47% hold birth certificates, leaving many without legal identity or access to services. Investing in child protection yields significant returns, with each dollar producing ninefold social and economic benefits. Urgent investments are needed to strengthen protection systems, expand social services, and empower adolescents so all children grow up safe and reach their potential.

Health indicators highlight ongoing gaps. Neonatal mortality remains high at 22 per 1,000 live births, accounting for 67% of under-five deaths. Rising C-section rates—75% of institutional deliveries—pose health and financial risks. Only 46% of women receive antenatal care within the first four months, emphasizing the need to improve maternal services and strengthen early maternal care for healthier newborns.

Sanitation access has improved to 73%, but safely managed water has fallen to 39.3%, with widespread bacterial contamination. This affects over 106 million people in Bangladesh. About half of water sources and over 80% of household samples are contaminated with E. coli. Climate-related hazards impacted 10.2% of water sources last year, highlighting the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.

While primary school enrollment remains high at 80%, attendance drops sharply 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 approaches are needed to ensure attendance and learning.

Building on MICS 2025, Unicef will collaborate with the government to convert this data into policies that promote investments and decisions supporting every child's survival, health, and development.