New Delhi: The World Well being Group (WHO) on Saturday known as on nations within the South-East Asia area to strengthen measures to stop drowning, which disproportionately impacts kids and the weak inhabitants.
The area reported 83,000 drowning fatalities in 2021, which accounts to 28 per cent of the worldwide drowning burden and contributing considerably to the almost 30 lives misplaced to drowning each hour, globally, in accordance with WHO’s first International standing report on drowning prevention.
About 43 per cent drowning fatalities within the area concerned kids aged 14 years or youthful.
Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia, stated that to save lots of lives and guarantee equitable security for all, increasing and scaling up confirmed drowning preventive interventions throughout the area isn’t just important, however an ethical crucial.
“Youngsters face heightened vulnerabilities on account of insufficient supervision, restricted swimming abilities, and lack of water security information. For older kids and adolescents, peer strain, risk-taking behaviours, and substance use additional improve their danger,” she burdened.
Non-fatal drowning incidents result in extreme long-term neurological problems and disabilities that require extended care.
Whereas most nations within the area have complete drowning prevention methods, rather more must be achieved.
Drowning is the third main reason behind dying for kids aged 5–14 years, and the fourth main reason behind dying for kids aged 1–four years.
The WHO regional director emphasised on strengthening governance, having a devoted lead company to implement drowning prevention actions, enhancing cross-sectoral collaboration, strengthening drowning information and implementing evidence-based community-level interventions for drowning prevention.
“Drowning prevention is essentially a difficulty of fairness. By prioritizing weak populations, fostering progressive management, and embracing international collaboration, nations can considerably scale back drowning deaths. With sustained dedication and collective motion, we will make sure that everybody, all over the place, can reside safely round water,” stated Wazed.
