Clinton Global Initiative Addresses Lead Poisoning Crisis

During a speech at the Clinton Global Initiative, Administrator Samantha Power highlighted the urgent global issue of lead poisoning, noting that half of children in low- and middle-income countries are affected, which significantly impacts their brain development and contributes to a substantial education gap. She emphasized that lead poisoning costs the global economy approximately a trillion dollars annually and results in 1.5 million deaths, but solutions are available, as demonstrated by successful campaigns in countries like Bangladesh and Malawi. Meanwhile, at Fordham University, the President's Council has been instrumental in funding Global Outreach projects, enabling students like Norah Mosquea to engage in significant community service initiatives abroad while alleviating financial burdens. Mosquea's experiences in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico exemplify the positive impact of these programs on students with high financial need, allowing them to connect with their heritage and contribute to environmental projects. These narratives underline the importance of philanthropy in addressing both global health challenges and educational access.