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read moreThe emergence of drowning prevention on the global health agenda has been highlighted in a new research paper published today in The Lancet Global Health.
The research was conducted by Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Chief Executive Justin Scarr, Dr Jagnoor Jagnoor, Professor Robyn Norton AO and Professor Kent Buse of the George institute for Global Health, and the World Health Organization’s Dr David Meddings.
Drowning is estimated to claim more than 236,000 lives annually, with 90% of these deaths in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is among the top 10 leading causes of death for people aged 24 years and under in every region of the world.
The research traces the growing recognition of drowning as a health issue globally and its path from an under-recognised cause of death to becoming the subject of a historic United Nations Resolution.
Scarr notes “The United Nations Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention, declared in April 2021, was important because it gave the issue of drowning the prominence it had previously lacked, despite being a leading cause of injury death globally.
“We interviewed leading experts, and asked two questions; how did we get here? and how do we ensure the resolution results in lives saved?”
Those with firsthand experience of the resolution process and knowledge of the drowning prevention journey during the past two decades were identified. Key informants from United Nations agencies, national governments, lifesaving organisations, academia and philanthropic groups were interviewed.
The research identified three key factors which combined to make drowning a prominent health issue.
Research that emerged from countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand using innovative methodologies including verbal autopsy and other community survey methods, and shifts in other disease burdens, particularly in children, showed for the first time the scale of drowning as a health issue.
Focusing on the disproportionate rates of drowning in low- and middle-income contexts and looking at it through a health and sustainable development lens drew the attention of policy makers internationally.
And strong, coordinated political advocacy by a small coalition of drowning prevention experts navigated and secured support from United Nations Member States.
The research also outlines the next steps required to make sure the United Nations Resolution result in a reduced number of drowning deaths globally.
The actions include: Implementation research of effective solutions; bringing in more allies from sectors which relate to drowning prevention; strengthen capacity for multisectoral action; expanding research in different contexts; and expanding drowning prevention focus and reach across all regions, specifically Africa, South and central America, and Small Island Developing Nations.
Click here to view a full copy of the research.
Image courtesy of Royal Life Saving Society - Australia.
21st April 2022 - Royal Life Saving launch new online training on child safety for the aquatic industry
25th March 2022 - Royal Life Saving promotes round table event to address drowning prevention measures in North Queensland
27th January 2022 - UNSW research highlights risk factors behind South Asian migrant beach drownings
22nd January 2022 - Public reminded to observe water safety warnings following spike in NSW coastal drownings
8th January 2022 - Poor adult swimming skills contribute to summer drownings
4th January 2022 - Sport Minister Richard Colbeck makes safety plea after holiday drownings
1st December 2021 - Victorian drowning report reveals tragedies behind highest drowning toll in 20 years
3rd November 2021 - Water Safety New Zealand invest $2 million in community drowning prevention programmes
8th September 2021 - Lockdowns contribute to rise in Australian drowning deaths during past year
24th July 2021 - Life Saving bodies urge Australians to take action to end drowning on World Drowning Prevention Day
13th May 2021 - Study highlights coastal drowning risk among visitors and recent overseas arrivals in South Australia
30th April 2021 - United Nations passes first ever Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention
9th April 2021 - Australian Water Safety Council seeks local government backing to help reduce drownings
25th March 2021 - New Water Safety Strategy sets out plan to significantly cut Australia’s drowning rate
25th January 2021 - Surf Life Saving Australia warns drowning deaths more likely on public holidays
23rd November 2020 - Royal Life Saving’s latest Keep Watch campaign highlights tragic drowning toll among children aged under 12 months
21st September 2020 - Water Safety New Zealand invests $2.5 million in drowning prevention initiatives
18th September 2020 - Royal Life Saving and Surf Life Saving Australia report males account for 80% of all drowning deaths
30th July 2020 - New research has potential to reduce risk of drownings at Australian aquatic facilities
17th December 2017 - Complacency surrounding Asian drowning epidemic also impacts Australia
24th December 2014 - UN report shows drowning claims over 40 people every hour in ‘needless loss of life’
26th December 2014 - Sri Lanka drowning report launch coincides with 10 year anniversary of Asian Tsunami
29th October 2011 - Asian floods expose child drowning ‘epidemic’
2nd April 2008 - Drowning biggest killer of Asian children
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