NASBLA Participates in World Health Organization Global Status Report for Drowning Prevention
In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a new resolution to create the first-ever global status report for drowning prevention. This report will include a profile on the burden of drowning in each country and capture national policies, strategies, and programs that contribute to drowning prevention. NASBLA was one of nine organizations invited by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to contribute crucial information in developing the country profile for the United States.
In addition to NASBLA, the organizations chosen by the CDC are American Red Cross, Safe Kids Worldwide, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, United States Lifesaving Association, Rowan University, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service.
NASBLA provided answers to a 20 question survey and participated in a virtual meeting with all survey respondents to consolidate answers and discuss discrepancies before submitting the U.S. report to WHO.
Over the past decade, over 2.5 million people have lost their lives to drowning. Drowning is in the top ten causes of death worldwide for children aged 5-14 years. Over 90% of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with rising poverty and vulnerabilities predicted to exacerbate inequalities in drowning risk over time.
In response to the 194 member states’ requests, the World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating the development and delivery of a first global assessment on drowning and its prevention. The resulting report will be the first of its kind to measure country specific magnitude of drowning, as well as to assess the implementation of evidence-based interventions to prevent and respond to drowning, at the global level.
The report will accurately assess the burden and context of drowning in order to develop and implement effective, localized drowning prevention solutions and to successfully advocate on the impact of this preventable public health issue.
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Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to global health and safety. The Organization connects nations, partners, and communities to promote health and serve the vulnerable. WHO works with its Member States to achieve the highest level of health for all people by pursuing universal health coverage.