WHO launches plan to stop drowning deaths

‘PROTECT’ strategy aims to cut 300,000 annual deaths, with majority in LMICs, as climate risks grow

GENEVA/ACCRA: For the parents watching children near rivers, wells and water tanks, a moment’s lapse can turn fatal. With nearly 300,000 people dying from drowning each year, the World Health Organization on Thursday launched a new plan to make water safer.                                                                     

Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, WHO released PROTECT, a technical package outlining seven evidence-based strategies for governments and communities. More than 90% of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Drowning is also among the top 10 causes of death for children aged 5–14.

The risks are rising with climate change. WHO noted that floods, storms and heatwaves are increasing exposure to water. Research cited from the United Kingdom found drowning deaths climb 7.2% for every 1°C rise in temperature, and the risk is nearly five times higher on days above 25°C compared to days below 10°C.

“Every drowning is a tragedy, and most are preventable,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The seven PROTECT strategies give countries practical, evidence-based approaches to prevent these tragedies, including making water transport safer, teaching school kids to swim, and preparing for floods. Drowning prevention isn't the job of one ministry; it belongs to everyone.”

PROTECT translates WHO’s first Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention into action across seven domains: Physical infrastructure; Rescue and resuscitation; Occupational safety; Transport safety; Education in swimming and water safety; Child-care and safeguarding; and Threat preparedness for floods.

The package was launched in Ghana, where an estimated 1,100 people die from drowning annually — about three deaths every day.

This year’s theme, “Unite to turn the tide,” calls for coordinated action across sectors to address what WHO calls one of the most overlooked public health tragedies.

--IV News Desk, Karachi 

Photos: IV files

Infographic: WHO

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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