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The Governments of Albania, Burkina Faso, India, Montenegro and Uganda have united to combat chemical pollution, launching a $134-million project to eliminate the use of mercury in medical devices.

Medical thermometers and sphygmomanometers (devices which measure blood pressure) contain mercury and are harmless as long as they remain intact.

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by the World Health Organization (WHO),

the Phasing out mercury measuring devices in healthcare project will develop and implement nation-wide strategies to stop the import, export and manufacture of thermometers and sphygmomanometers, encourage the adoption of accurate, affordable, and safe mercury-free alternatives, while improving the management of mercury-containing medical waste.

What is the Minamata Convention on Mercury?

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury and its compounds.

It was agreed at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Geneva, Switzerland 2013.

India has ratified the Convention.

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