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201 Injury prevention in the WHO South-East Asia region, 2005–2015: from policy to practice
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  1. Chamaiparn Santikarn1,2
  1. 1Ex-WHO South- East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), India
  2. 2WHO Office, Myanmar

Abstract

Background Several WHO resolutions on injury prevention were adopted since 1966 and several UN resolutions on road safety were adopted since 2003. The WHO South- East Asia (SEA) Regional committee resolution on accident prevention and trauma care was adopted in 1994. However, in 2005 injury prevention did not progress substantially.

Methods In 2005, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) modified the post description of Regional advisor responsible for injury prevention to be more focused. SEARO injury work plan 2006–7 formed the strategies in promoting injury information, multi-sectoral and inter-country collaborations, experience sharing, and training. In 2008–9 work plan, establishment of an injury management unit in the MOH was added. Regular regional and national trainings/workshops were organised and supported. In 2010, the Regional resolution: Injury prevention and safety promotion was adopted. It identifies the major causes of injury in the region, endorses existing strategies and calls for a national mechanism at the highest level to enhance national plans/programs. A progress report was requested for 2014. The Global Road Safety Status Surveys and the Decade of Action for Road Safety were coordinated. Regional epidemiological data, the expert group recommendations and the world reports were used for guiding interventions. Resources were mobilised by WHO Geneva to support regional and national activities.

Results By 2015, all countries have national policies/plans. 7 countries have national policies, budgeted plans and a mechanism at the highest level for road safety. 5 countries have budgeted plans for the Decade. 6 countries have budgeted plans to strengthen injury data. 4 MOH’s have injury management units. Injury prevention is integrated into undergraduate medical and nursing curriculum and MCH systems. 2 countries enforce and manufacture standardised child motorcycle helmets. 2 countries have sustained injury surveillance.

Conclusions Progress is seen in the SEA Region from 2005–2015.

  • injury prevention
  • policy
  • progress

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