Statement from Health Ministry
The United Nations General Assembly passed its first-ever Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention during the seventy-fifth session and announced 25th of July as the World Drowning Prevention Day.
Every Year an estimated number of more than 200,000 people die due to drowning around the world. About 1/3rd of these victims are from South Asian countries.
Globally, the highest drowning mortality rates are among children aged 1-4 years and is often reported as the leading cause of mortality among children between 1-9 years.
Every year about 800 Sri Lankans are killed due to drowning. It is the second cause for unintentional injury deaths.
Most of the victims are belonged to the age group of 21-60 years which is the economically productive group.
Other than deaths, lack of oxygen to the brain after a non-fatal drowning can lead to long term disabilities ranging from memory problems and learning disabilities to complete loss of basic function.
Moreover, drowning is not only public health issue but also a socioeconomic
development challenge.
Human behavior has been identified as a key risk factor for occurrence of drowning. Further including a water safety culture within the country is crucial. Hence, it is necessary to educate the public on water safety, establish barriers, improve swim skills, rescue and resuscitation training etc.
Further, need to identify new laws and regulations to improve the water safety in the country.
There has been a reduction of number of drowning cases reported to the hospitals as a result of restriction of public movements as part of the Covid 19 prevention strategy.
In the present experience, with the relaxation of the Covid 19 related regulations, the uncontrolled increase in human activity may also increase the risk of droning. Hence, with the current pandemic situation, the strategies to prevent Covid 19 can be challenged if individuals at particular risk for Covid 19 are unnecessarily caused injuries due to drowning.
Therefore, it is vital to retain focused on the importance of preventing and protecting ourselves from injuries, including drowning, during this global pandemic.
Dr. Samitha Siritunga , Consultant Community Physician
National Programme Manager- Injury Prevention and Management, Ministry of Health