UN adopts Bangladesh’s Global Drowning Prevention resolution

The UN General Assembly has unanimously adopted a historic resolution on Global Drowning Prevention introduced by Bangladesh. The UN also declared July 25 as "UN Day for Drowning Prevention" to promote awareness, encourage national action, share best practices, and key solutions to drowning.

Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Rabab Fatima, on April 28, introduced the resolution, which was co-led by Ireland and co-sponsored by a total of 81 UN member states.

It recognises that drowning affects all countries and provides a framework for action for an effective response to the unacceptably high number of drowning deaths.

According to the WHO's latest estimates, drowning is the cause of 235,000 deaths every year. The number of deaths from drowning in Bangladesh is around 18,000 every year. Many countries report drowning as a leading cause of childhood mortality, particularly in children under 5.

The resolution says drowning is a preventable cause of mortality that disproportionately affects children and adolescents within and among nations, says a statement.

Rabab Fatima said the Bangladesh government recognises the urgency to have the resolution and generate a greater political commitment to the prevention of drowning. 

"We have reduced child mortality rates globally, however, if we cannot bring death from drowning to 'zero', our success in primary healthcare, and therefore, achievement of SDG 3 will remain unaccomplished".

Since 90 percent of drowning deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries, with Asia carrying the highest burden, she observed, "Drowning is not just an injury, it is an inequity".

The resolution encourages the member states to appoint a national focal point for drowning prevention, develop national prevention plans and programmes, enact national laws, create awareness, support international cooperation, and promote research and development.