WHO unveils global drowning‑prevention package at Ghana conference

The World Health Organization launched the PROTECT Technical Package for Drowning Prevention in Accra, Ghana on 24 July 2024. The package provides evidence‑based guidance for governments to strengthen legislation, systems and multisectoral action to reduce drowning deaths, which exceed 300,000 annually, with more than 90% occurring in low‑ and middle‑income countries.

The three‑day conference gathered officials, development partners, researchers and emergency responders. Speakers highlighted drowning as a public‑health and development challenge that affects child survival, education, livelihoods and climate resilience. Bangladesh's community‑based interventions—day‑care centres for children and barriers around water bodies—were cited as the most effective strategies, originally demonstrated by the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh and now incorporated into the global package.

WHO officials called for the guidance to be translated into concrete actions and investments to make water‑rich communities safer worldwide.