9,600 people die from drowning annually in BD

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for accelerated action to prevent drowning in Bangladesh, warning that around 9,600 people die from drowning every year despite the availability of proven interventions that can save thousands of lives.

Marking World Drowning Prevention Day, WHO has urged Bangladesh to increase investment, strengthen partnerships and expand evidence-based programmes to tackle one of the country’s most preventable yet overlooked public health challenges.

For children aged 1-4 years, drowning remains the leading cause of death, with thousands of children, particularly those from rural and low-income communities, losing their lives every year in incidents that are largely avoidable.

WHO said most drowning deaths among children under five occur within 20 metres of their homes, mainly in ponds, ditches and water containers.

The global health body said drowning prevention requires urgent attention as the world observes World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, a day dedicated to raising awareness that drowning deaths can be prevented through proven actions.

“Drowning is a silent but preventable public health crisis. Every drowning death represents a tragedy that can and must be prevented,” said Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh.

“As we observe World Drowning Prevention Day, WHO reaffirms its commitment to supporting evidence-based action, stronger partnerships and increased investment in proven interventions that reduce drowning deaths,” he added.

Globally, drowning claims more than 300 000 lives every year, equivalent to nearly 30 deaths per hour. Almost one-quarter of these deaths occur among children under the age of five.

WHO said drowning is among the 10 leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years worldwide, while the 10 countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region account for 28% of global drowning deaths.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s efforts, WHO said the country has shown strong leadership in advancing drowning prevention at both national and international levels.

Bangladesh has supported international resolutions on drowning prevention at the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly. The government-endorsed National Drowning Prevention Strategy and Action Plan (2025-2030) provides a framework for expanding evidence-based interventions.

These include Anchal centres (community childcare centres), SwimSafe programmes (survival swimming education) and first responder training.

However, WHO said greater urgency and sustained investment are needed to maximise the health, social and economic benefits of these initiatives.

Evidence from Bangladesh shows that effective drowning prevention measures save lives while also generating economic benefits, with every US$1 invested estimated to generate US$ 9 in social and economic benefits.

WHO said drowning prevention should be incorporated into national health, education and disaster risk reduction policies to ensure a coordinated and sustainable response.

It stressed that drowning is not only a water safety issue but also a major public health concern linked with child health, education, disaster preparedness and community development.

WHO called for wider access to programmes such as Anchal centres, SwimSafe programmes and first responder training, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The organisation said expanding these initiatives could save thousands of lives every year while helping children develop essential water safety skills.

WHO said government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, academic institutions, private sector actors and communities must work together to increase the reach of effective interventions.

Such cooperation, it said, would encourage safer behaviours and build a stronger culture of water safety.
WHO also stressed the need for stronger research, surveillance and data systems to improve decision-making, guide policies and measure progress towards reducing drowning deaths and achieving related Sustainable Development Goal targets.

“We know how to prevent drowning. The challenge now is to take proven interventions to scale and ensure they reach every child and every community at risk. With sustained political commitment, strong partnerships and continued investment, we can dramatically reduce drowning deaths and save thousands of lives each year,” Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed said.

On World Drowning Prevention Day, WHO called on governments, partners and communities to unite behind proven solutions to protect children, strengthen communities and prevent avoidable deaths.

The organisation said sustained commitment and investment can significantly reduce drowning-related fatalities and prevent families from suffering the loss of loved ones.