Dear ნილს, Dear ლაილა, Distinguished audience

It is my great pleasure indeed to welcome you at this very important event on behalf of the ministry of labour, health and social affairs of Georgia.

 First of all, let me congratulate you all with the significant amount of work done and once again articulate the importance of the endeavor for the country as the MICS generates sizable amount of health indicators not available from other sources.

We believe that MICS will provide the country with critical data for the evidence-based decision-making resulting in improved policies with consequent improvement of public health outcomes.

Furthermore, I would like to articulate Ministry’s interest towards children’s lead blood module which will determine the prevalence of lead as well as help pinpoint locations of possible contamination.

As you are aware, WHO has identified lead as 1of 10 chemicals of major public health concern, requiring an action by Governments to protect the health of the populations.

In other words, our interest related to lead prevalence is grounded on the fact that this metal is a cumulative toxicant that is particularly harmful to young children’s health and development. Having said that, we would like to articulate that the evidence derived through the MICS on lead prevalence and locations of possible contamination will allow us to come up with adequate response strategies to prevent the related public health issues  with the overarching aim of realizing ‘the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being’    

Thank you very much again and I wish you the fruitful working day ahead.