Dr Ruediger Krech highlights the urgent public health concerns posed by mercury exposure, especially to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. He outlines WHO’s role in supporting countries through policy guidance, awareness campaigns, and implementation of the Minamata Convention health articles. The message calls for stronger cross-sector collaboration and invites stakeholders to engage in COP-6 activities to advance mercury regulation and health sector involvement.
The overall goal of the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership is to protect human health and the environment from the releases of mercury.