Global Issue of Drowning Deaths, Especially Among Children
Recent drownings, like those of three IAS aspirants in New Delhi, highlight the preventable nature of these deaths due to negligence.
Factors such as climate change, urbanization, and poverty increase drowning risks, particularly for children and adolescents, who account for half of all fatalities.
WHO reports about 236,000 drownings annually, with 82,000 being children aged 1 to 14, yet it remains under-reported compared to other health issues.
Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam face high child drowning rates, often occurring near homes or during unsafe activities.
Current data may significantly underestimate drowning deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Need for Preventive Measures
WHO's 2014 report and the UN's 2021 resolution have raised awareness and initiated international efforts for drowning prevention.
Countries like Vietnam and Australia have implemented successful swimming and water safety programs.
Bangladesh's "Anchal" program has effectively reduced child drowning through supervised childcare.
India launched a strategic framework for drowning prevention in December 2023, joining global efforts.
Drowning disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Simple measures like barriers around water bodies, daycare centers, and swimming lessons can significantly save lives.
Addressing drowning requires sustained efforts, resources, and cross-sector cooperation to enhance safety.
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