World Drowning Prevention Day 2023: A silent epidemic
The country is witnessing a concerning trend of death by drowning, with an alarming rate of 50 people losing their lives in water every day, 40 of whom are children, said speakers at a programme yesterday.
They made the remarks at a seminar titled "Acceleration of drowning prevention activities", organised by Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) at the capital's CIRDAP auditorium, marking World Drowning Prevention Day.
Despite the various initiatives taken, it is apparent that the current efforts are insufficient to address the situation, as nearly 19,000 people are still drowning annually, asserted the speakers.
The situation is gradually improving. But we cannot afford to overlook the significance of child drowning incidents. A master plan is essential to prevent every such incident.
Although classified as natural death, drowning is entirely preventable. Collaborative and dedicated efforts can help prevent such deaths, they added.
Dr AKM Fazlur Rahman, executive director of CIPRB, termed drowning a "silent epidemic", while delivering the welcome speech.
Stressing the gravity of the issue, he directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps on an urgent basis.
Present as chief guest, Dr Anwar Hossain Howlader, secretary of Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, stressed that more importance is given to road accidents than child drowning.
"The situation is gradually improving. But we cannot afford to overlook the significance of child drowning incidents. A master plan is essential to prevent every such incident," he added.
Comments