The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a new technical package containing seven proven strategies to help governments and communities prevent drowning, one of the leading causes of death among children globally.
The initiative, known by the acronym PROTECT, was unveiled ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on 25 July.
In a statement issued on Thursday, WHO said nearly 300,000 people die from drowning every year, making it one of the 10 leading causes of death among children aged five to 14 years worldwide.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus described every drowning as a preventable tragedy and urged governments to adopt practical, evidence-based measures to save lives.
Mr Ghebreyesus said preventing drowning requires coordinated action across sectors rather than the efforts of a single ministry.
