Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for accelerated action in Bangladesh to build on the country's leadership in drowning prevention through greater investment in evidence-based interventions, stronger partnerships and sustained action to address one of the world's most preventable yet overlooked public health challenges.
Every year, drowning claims more than 300,000 lives worldwide -- equivalent to nearly 30 deaths per hour. Almost one-quarter of these deaths occur among children under the age of 5.
According to a press release issued on Friday, globally, drowning is among the 10 leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.
Together, the 10 countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region account for 28 per cent of drowning deaths worldwide.
Bangladesh is significantly affected, with the latest WHO estimates indicating that approximately 9,600 people die from drowning each year.
For children aged 1-4 years, drowning is the leading cause of death, with thousands of children -- particularly those living in rural and low-income communities -- losing their lives each year in incidents that are largely preventable.
Most drowning deaths among children under 5 occur within 20 metres of the home, mainly in ponds, ditches and water containers.
"Drowning is a silent but preventable public health crisis. Every drowning death represents a tragedy that can and must be prevented," said Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh.