Drowning: a neglected public health crisis

Source: The post concern with One Nation, One Election has been created, based on the article “Drowning: a neglected public health crisis” published in “The Hindu” on 19th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Concern: The article highlights the tragic and preventable drowning deaths, particularly among children. It calls for global action on drowning prevention, especially in low-income countries, through safety plans, swimming lessons, and low-cost solutions like barriers and daycare.

For detailed information on Drowning is a major issue in India read this article here

How Serious is the Drowning Problem?

1. Drowning is a major global health issue, claiming 2,36,000 lives annually.
2. Children are highly vulnerable, with 82,000 deaths occurring among those aged 1 to 14.
3. WHO data shows drowning deaths are severely under-reported, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
4. In Bangladesh, 43% of child deaths are due to drowning, with most under five years old drowning within 20 metres of their homes.
5. Drowning deaths are often uncounted during floods or water transport accidents, making the actual toll much higher.

Why is Drowning Neglected?

1. According to WHO, 2,36,000 people drown annually, yet drowning lacks the same attention as other public health issues like malaria and malnutrition.
2. Statistics fail to capture deaths from natural disasters, water transport accidents, and refugees, leading to data gaps.
3. 75% of deaths during floods are due to drowning, but these are not added to global drowning statistics.
4. Drowning disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 90% of drowning deaths occur, further highlighting inequity.

What Global Actions Have Been Taken?

1. WHO Report (2014): The first global report on drowning prevention was published, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
2. Drowning Prevention Day: A WHO-led global event observed annually to raise awareness about drowning as a major cause of death.
3. UN Resolution (2021): The UN General Assembly called for worldwide action to prevent drowning.
4. Australia’s Approach: Focuses on coastal safety with surf lifesavers and lifeguards.
5. Vietnam’s Efforts: Introduced a national swimming curriculum for children, reducing drowning deaths.
6. Bangladesh’s “Anchal” Model: Community-based daycare centres reduced drowning deaths by 88% among children under four.
7. India’s Involvement: Released the ‘Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention’ in December 2023.

What Needs to be Done?

1. Drowning should be viewed through the lens of social inequity, not just as accidental deaths.
2. For future prevention include implementing rapid response plans, setting up strategic barriers near water bodies, providing daycare for preschool children, teaching basic swimming skills, and ensuring the availability of safe water transport and flotation devices.

Question for practice:

Discuss the global actions taken to address the issue of drowning and how various countries, including India, are implementing prevention strategies.