WorldStage — The World Health Organization (WHO) has inaugurated a new technical package containing seven proven strategies aimed at helping governments and communities prevent drowning incidents.
A statement by WHO ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day marked on July 25 said that nearly 300,000 people died from drowning every year, making it one of the 10 leading causes of death among children aged between five years and 14 years worldwide.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, described every drowning as a preventable tragedy and urged governments to adopt practical, evidence-based measures to save lives.
Ghebreyesus said drowning prevention required collective action across sectors, stressing that it was not the responsibility of one ministry alone but of governments, communities and individuals.
“The seven measures are packaged under the acronym, PROTECT, translating the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention into practical policy guidance for countries.
“The strategies focus on safer physical infrastructure around water, improved rescue and resuscitation capacity, occupational safety for water-related work, and stronger transport safety standards for water travel.
“They also promote swimming and water safety education, stronger childcare and safeguarding systems, and improved preparedness for floods and other multi-hazard emergencies,” he said.
He said that WHO inaugurated PROTECT in Ghana, citing the country’s growing commitment to drowning prevention and efforts to improve water safety nationwide.
He said it estimated that more than 1,100 people died from drowning annually in Ghana, equivalent to approximately three deaths every day.
Ghebreyesus said that children and young adults accounted for the highest burden.
WHO boss said that Ghana’s leadership demonstrated how evidence-based policies could reduce drowning deaths and encouraged other governments to adopt similar preventive measures.
Dr Kelly Henning, who leads the public health programme at Bloomberg Philanthropies, said the framework would save lives, while strengthening global efforts to reduce drowning through proven interventions.
Henning said that since 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies had partnered with WHO on drowning prevention.
World Drowning Prevention Day theme, “Unite to Turn the Tide,” calls for coordinated action by governments, partners and communities to prevent drowning and save lives.
