Injuries are a major cause of death and disability worldwide and account for more than five million deaths each year; a disproportionate share of this burden is borne by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).1 Injuries are also among the 10 leading causes of mortality and morbidity in children aged 1–15 years. It is estimated that more than 875 000 children under 18 years of age die annually as a result of all injuries, over 90% of which are unintentional.1 In addition to the loss in mortality, for every child who dies, several thousand children live with injury-induced disability.2 The resulting need for care and rehabilitation has a substantial impact on the child’s future potential, and places a financial and emotional burden on the family.

Globally, 98% of all childhood unintentional injuries occur in LMICs, where they have now reached epidemic proportions. In Bangladesh, for example, injuries …