Violence and injuries are the leading cause of death in the Western Pacific Region for persons aged 5-49 years and responsible for almost 1 million deaths annually.

Deaths from violence and injuries are just the tip of the iceberg – physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health consequences often last a lifetime. Millions more non-fatal injuries occur requiring various degrees of care and treatment placing an enormous burden on national health systems and economies.

WHO works with countries to support the development and implementation of intersectoral national policies, programmes and legislation for violence and injury prevention; promote public awareness and political commitment; and build national capacities in surveillance, prevention, response, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation.