CTFK to spend additional USD 2.1 million to prevent child drowning in Vietnam
	"Vietnam is A Leader in Drowning Prevention"

At the inter-sectoral meeting to share experience on the development of child drowning program held in Nghe An on July 19, Deputy Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha said that the prevention and control of child drowning have consistently receive attention from the National Assembly, the Government, and all levels and sectors. The Program on Child Accident and Injury Prevention and Control for the 2021-2030 period includes comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions aimed at preventing child injuries, with a specific goal to reduce fatalities from child drowning.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Ha expressed high regard for the involvement of 9 ministries, sectors, central organizations, and local authorities in addressing the prevention and combat of drowning; implementating solutions and models that provide children with classes about water safety skills and foster a secure environment for them.

Deputy Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha.

Kelly Larson, Director of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Injury Prevention Program, said: Through the active collaboration and involvement of various agencies, ministries, and sectors, Vietnam has attained significant achievements in preventing and combating child drownings. Over 100,000 Vietnamese children will receive free swimming and water safety training, surpassing the initial target set by Bloomberg Philanthropies by twofold.

Vietnam has adopted numerous strategies, including: engaging various agencies and sectors; constructing swimming pools, offering swimming and safety training for children; and conducting campaigns to increase awareness about drowning prevention. With these innovative approaches and the dedication of the authorities, Vietnam sets a good example for other nations. Kelly Larson expresses her hope that Vietnam will continue these initiatives in the future.

Kelly Larson, Director of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Injury Prevention Program.

WHO report at the meeting indicates that the multi-sectoral coordination mechanism for drowning prevention has been effectively adopted in many countries. In Australia, the Australian Water Safety Council facilitates coordination and information exchange among national organizations. It also oversees the development and execution of a Water Safety Strategy, conducts workshops, and formulates action plans for drowning prevention. Meanwhile, in Thailand, the Department of Disease Control launched the "Merit Maker in Drowning Prevention" strategy in 2015. This community-driven program gathers resources from multiple agencies and localities to deploy drowning prevention measures, such as the installation of fences and warning signs in high-risk areas, dissemination of information to health workers, and swimming lessons for children.

The WHO recommends that effective drowning prevention requires close coordination and active participation across various sectors to fully utilize their resources and capabilities.

Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam, said the WHO applauds the Vietnamese Government's strategy of engaging various agencies, led by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, to safeguard children from this preventable tragedy.

The meeting in Nghe An is one of the activities responding to World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 (July 25).

This year marked the first time activities responding to the World Drowning Prevention Day are held in provinces with a high risk of child drownings, such as Nghe An and Thua Thien Hue. Under the theme "Drowning - Moments of Survival," the event acknowledged local accomplishments in preventing child drownings. Concurrently, it aimed to enhance public awareness about the dangers of child drowning and to equip parents and caregivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure the children's safety and preserve their lives.

Students engaged in hands-on activities during the Family Day on July 20 in Nghe An.

Additionally, as part of the activities for World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 in Nghe An, the Family Day on drowning prevention took place on July 20. The event drew the attendance of hundreds of students and parents from the province.

Through engaging experiential activities such as games and exhibition, parents and students can learn together. They gain knowledge and practice safety skills in water environments, as well as how to rescue people from life-threatening drowning situations.

Instructions on rescue skills in case of drowning (Photo: Thua Thien Hue Newspaper).

On July 28 in Thua Thien - Hue, the Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs of the province collaborated with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and Huehelp, and various units, schools, and localities to hold a ceremony in response to World Drowning Prevention Day. A contest was held to educate children on knowledge and skills for drowning prevention.

Through activities like drawing, performing skits, and speaking, students gain knowledge about safety in water environments. They learn safety measures for underwater activities and develop skills to prevent accidents, injuries, and drowning.

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