WHO Launches PROTECT Plan to Prevent Drowning Deaths

The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a new global action plan called PROTECT to address the issue of drowning, which results in nearly 300,000 deaths each year, particularly among children and vulnerable communities. This initiative was unveiled ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25.

The PROTECT package includes seven evidence-based measures aimed at reducing drowning fatalities, which predominantly occur in low- and middle-income countries. WHO Director-General Dr.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that every drowning incident is a tragedy and most are preventable. The measures include safer water infrastructure, improved rescue services, swimming education, and emergency preparedness for water-related disasters.

The launch took place in Ghana, where approximately 1,100 drowning deaths occur annually, with children and young adults most affected. The initiative is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day theme is “Unite to Turn the Tide,” urging collective action to combat this public health crisis.