WHO Urges South-East Asia to Improve Road Safety for Young People
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on South-East Asia to enhance road safety measures to reduce traffic deaths, especially among young people aged 15-29. At the 15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed emphasized the need to prioritize vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
The WHO South-East Asia Region accounted for 28% of global road traffic deaths in 2021. With rapid urbanization, the region faces challenges such as a high prevalence of motorized two and three-wheelers, inadequate traffic injury data, poor pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and limited emergency services.
Unlike High-Income Countries, Low- and Middle-Income Countries need to focus on the safety of vulnerable road users. Strengthening trauma and emergency care systems, enhancing road safety data, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders are essential for improving road safety.
Saima Wazed stated, “I am a great believer in collaborations and partnerships – and expanding these to non-traditional stakeholders. This can be our moment to rethink and redo mobility for healthy cities.”
Road safety is crucial to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN General Assembly launched the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, aiming to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030. While the WHO South-East Asia Region saw a 2% decrease in road fatalities in 2021, further efforts are needed to meet global targets.
At the World Conference, the Regional Director launched the ‘WHO South-East Asia Regional Status Report on Road Safety: Towards Safer and Sustainable Mobility.’ This report outlines road traffic injury patterns and highlights best practices and country-specific interventions.
Addressing these challenges and implementing recommended strategies will be key to advancing road safety and reaching the 2030 targets. Ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups enhances the safety of everyone in society.
Doubts Revealed
WHO -: WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a part of the United Nations that works to improve health and well-being around the world.
South-East Asia -: South-East Asia is a region in Asia that includes countries like India, Indonesia, Thailand, and others. It is known for its diverse cultures and large population.
Road Safety -: Road safety means making sure that people are safe when they are using roads, whether they are walking, cycling, or driving. It includes things like traffic rules, safe vehicles, and good road conditions.
Young People aged 15-29 -: This refers to people who are between 15 and 29 years old. They are often more at risk in road accidents because they might be new drivers or more likely to take risks.
15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion -: This is a big meeting where experts from around the world come together to talk about how to prevent injuries and make the world safer. It happens every few years.
Saima Wazed -: Saima Wazed is a leader in the WHO who works on making sure people are safe and healthy. She is especially focused on helping people in South-East Asia.
Vulnerable Road Users -: These are people who are more likely to get hurt in road accidents, like people walking on the street (pedestrians) or riding bicycles (cyclists).
UN -: UN stands for the United Nations. It is an international organization that works to solve global problems like peace, health, and safety.
Reduce Road Traffic Deaths by 50% by 2030 -: This is a goal set by the UN to make roads safer so that half as many people die in road accidents by the year 2030.