DILI, 25 july 2022 (TATOLI) – Regional Director, WHO Southeast Asia Regio, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, calls on the countries in South East Asia Region to take at least one concrete action to advance drowning prevention.
Ms. Khetrapal Singh expressed her statement that coincides with the World Drowning Prevention day (WDPD), which is celebrated every 25 of july.
“The theme of this year’s commemoration – “Do one thing to prevent drowning” invites all sectors and stakeholders, including community groups and individuals, to take at least one concrete action to advance drowning prevention,” said Khetrapal Singh.
In the WDPD, WHO and its Member States in the South-East Asia Region and across the world highlights the tragic impact of drowning on families and communities, as well as an array of evidence-based solutions to prevent it.
“Drowning is among the 10 leading causes of death for children and youth aged 1-24 years. Globally, an estimated 236 000 people drown every year while in 2019 drowning caused more than 70 000 deaths in the South-East Asia Region, which is the world’s second most affected region, and where drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death,”
Countries of the Region have in recent years intensified multisectoral action to prevent drowning, in line with the six interventions and four cross-cutting strategies outlined in WHO’s 2017 implementation guide on drowning prevention.
“Most Member States now promote the use of barriers to control access to water, including the installation of door gates, covering of wells, and mandatory fencing around water bodies. Several countries have rolled out training on basic water safety and safe rescue skills for school-aged children, and have also implemented community day-care initiatives to keep unattended children away from water.”
To prevent death by drowning, Last year, WHO launched the Regional Status Report on Drowning Prevention in South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions, which provides detailed information on the burden and context of drowning and several priorities that need to be addressed including; First, policymakers should develop and/or strengthen national water safety plans, which should outline the main principles, goals, objectives, and actions for reducing drowning, drawing on WHO best practices and guidance. Second, health sector stakeholders should intensify multi-sectoral awareness and action, for which cross-sectoral coordination mechanisms that identify clear roles and responsibilities are required. Third, national and sub-national data should continue to be strengthened, ensuring that policymakers have a detailed understanding of the issue, enabling them to implement and monitor evidence-based solutions. Fourth, strategic communications must continue to be strengthened to increase public awareness and to support the uptake and success of prevention measures at the community level.
“We can all do our part, starting with just one concrete action,” said Khetrapal Singh.
She said individuals can share water safety advice, sign up for swimming and water safety lessons, or support local drowning prevention charities and groups. Community and civil society groups and organizations can launch water safety campaigns, commit to developing or delivering new drowning prevention programs, host public information events, or share stories of their work.
“These and other actions will not only save lives, but also strengthen health equity, enhance emergency preparedness and response capacities, build climate resilience, and contribute to the achievement of at least nine of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, on World Drowning Prevention Day, WHO reiterates its commitment to support all countries of the Region to advance drowning prevention, for a Region and world that are safer, and in which fewer families and communities experience the tragedy and loss caused by drowning,” she concluded.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia B
