On July 25, 2024, marked World Drowning Prevention Day, with Thailand taking a lead role in the global effort to prevent drowning, particularly among children. The event at The Portal Ballroom, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, centered on the theme 'Anyone can drown, no one should,' aligning with the World Health Organization (WHO)'s global message.
Opening ceremony of World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 at The Portal Ballroom, emphasizing the theme "Anyone can drown, no one should" and Thailand's commitment to reducing drowning incidents among children. © WHO Thailand 2024
Acknowledging Thailand’s Efforts
Presiding over the seminar, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, highlighted Thailand's significant strides in drowning prevention. He praised the collective efforts of the Thai government and local communities, emphasizing the success of the MERIT MAKER strategy, a community-based approach recognized internationally. "Thailand's dedication to preventing drowning has reduced child drowning deaths from 1,500 annually in 2005 to 615 this year," he stated. However, he acknowledged that the numbers are still unsatisfactory, with the national strategic plan aiming to reduce this figure to 290 annually.
Dr. Direk Khampaen, Deputy Director General of the Department of Disease Control, presents on the extensive coverage and impactful work of MERIT MAKER teams across various regions of Thailand. © WHO Thailand 2024
Global Perspective and United Nations Initiatives
Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, delivered a keynote speech on the global burden of drowning, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year. He highlighted the UN General Assembly's 2021 resolution on Global Drowning Prevention, urging member states to implement ten key actions. Dr. Jos commended Thailand for its proactive measures, setting an example for other nations. "Thailand's progress is a testament to the power of coordinated multi-sectoral action in tackling drowning," he remarked.
Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, delivers a video speech emphasizing global cooperation and sustained efforts in drowning prevention. © WHO Thailand 2024
Statistics and Future Goals
Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, provided a sobering overview of the past decade. From 2014 to 2023, Thailand reported 36,503 drowning deaths, with 6,693 of these being children under 15. He stressed the importance of continuous efforts, especially targeting young children. The Ministry of Public Health, alongside local and international partners, has focused on educational programs, including survival swimming courses and CPR training, reaching over 100,000 individuals this year alone.
MERIT MAKER in Nakorn Prathom demonstrate their emergency response protocols and teach children CPR techniques, showcasing their crucial role in drowning prevention. © WHO Thailand 2024
Community and Multi-Sectoral Involvement
The event also celebrated the contributions of various community groups and sectors. Awards were presented to the MERIT MAKER teams for their vital role in drowning prevention. Dr. Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, highlighted the importance of expanding these community-based efforts. "Our goal is to make every community a safe place, with children and adults equipped with the knowledge and skills to prevent drowning."
MERIT MAKER teams showcase their work at the booth, highlighting their vital contributions to drowning prevention during the ceremony. © WHO Thailand 2024
Conclusion and Call to Action
In his closing remarks, Mr. Somsak reiterated the commitment to reducing drowning deaths to 290 per year. He called for continued collaboration between government agencies, private sectors, and community organizations. "We must all work together to ensure that no more lives are lost to drowning. The theme 'Anyone can drown, no one should' must drive our actions every day," he concluded.
Dr. Jos Vandelaer also emphasized the importance of global cooperation and sustained efforts in drowning prevention. "We must continue to build on our successes, learn from each other, and strive for a world where drowning is no longer a leading cause of preventable deaths," he said. "Together we can make a difference and save lives."
As World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 concludes, Thailand's efforts serve as an inspiration for global initiatives, demonstrating that through dedication, education, and community involvement, drowning can be prevented, and countless lives can be saved.