WHO Urges Action on World Drowning Prevention Day, Highlights Urgent Need for Safety Measures

On World Drowning Prevention Day, WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed emphasizes saving lives and preventing drowning. She underscores the theme 'Anyone can drown, no one should' and highlights the slogan 'Seconds can save a life.' Wazed urges global coordination to combat the epidemic affecting over 236,000 annually.

On Thursday, July 25, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia, Saima Wazed, made a compelling appeal for life-saving actions on World Drowning Prevention Day.

'We join the global community in observing World Drowning Prevention Day, dedicated to raising awareness and accelerating action on global drowning prevention,' stated Wazed.

The World Health Assembly Resolution WHA76.18, passed in 2023, emphasizes the pressing need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action to address this significant cause of injury-related death and disability worldwide.

Highlighting the theme 'Anyone can drown, no one should,' Wazed stressed the importance of the slogan 'Seconds can save a life.' She noted, 'Drowning can occur in seconds, yet taking brief preventive actions can avert a tragedy.'

Globally, drowning claims 236,000 lives annually. In Southeast Asia, the loss was particularly severe, with 70,034 lives lost in 2019 alone. The issue often goes underreported as it excludes flood disaster and water transport-related drownings.

WHO's upcoming Global Status Report on Drowning aims to provide updated data and recommendations when it launches at the end of 2024.

Saima Wazed urged, 'We all have a role in preventing drowning, from raising awareness and promoting knowledge to collaborating on safety measures and ensuring personal and family safety around water.'

(With inputs from agencies.)