By Gom Mirian
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has disclosed that more than 2.5 million lives have been claimed by drowning over the past decades, with 90 per cent of these fatalities occurring in low and middle income countries.
Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and the WHO’s global ambassador for noncommunicable diseases and injuries, disclosed this in a statement posted on WHO’s website on Wednesday.
According to the report, the highest drowning rates are found among children aged 1-4 and 5-9 years.
“Bloomberg is working with our partners to implement proven life-saving solutions, like teaching basic swimming survival skills and providing child care. Now, by bringing together governments and partners from around the world, we can help spread this work and save many more lives,” it stated.
To protect future generations, the WHO advised countries to invest in drowning prevention. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made this point, saying that “by implementing effective preventive measures, increasing investments and promoting awareness, we can save countless lives.”
He added: ”As we observe World Drowning Prevention Day today, we ask countries and partners to join hands to make drowning prevention a global priority.”
