DROWNING: A NEGLECTED PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

THE CONTEXT: The tragic drowning of three IAS aspirants in New Delhi highlights the pervasive and preventable nature of drowning incidents worldwide. Despite global efforts like World Drowning Prevention Day, drowning remains a significant public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

GLOBAL DROWNING CRISIS:

• Global Death Toll: Drowning claims at least 236,000 lives annually worldwide, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Children at High Risk: Approximately 82,000 drowning deaths each year are children aged 1 to 14, accounting for half of all drowning fatalities.
• Frequency: At least 42 people drown every hour of every day globally.
• Comparison to Other Diseases: The death toll from drowning is equivalent to two-thirds that of malnutrition and over half that of malaria, yet it receives significantly less attention.

CASE STUDIES HIGHLIGHTING THE CRISIS

• India: Three IAS aspirants drowned in a basement during heavy rains in New Delhi, underscoring urban infrastructure failures. An estimated 38,000 Indians die from drowning each year.
• Vietnam and Uganda: Children drown in unprotected rivers and lakes.
• Bangladesh: 43% of child deaths are due to drowning, often within 20 meters of their homes.
• Florida, USA: Toddlers drown in residential swimming pools and hot tubs.

THE ISSUES:

• Inadequate Statistics: Available data likely underestimates the true extent of drowning incidents due to exclusion criteria.
• Exclusions in Counting:
  • Intentional Drownings: Suicides and homicides by drowning are often not included in statistics.
  • Water Transport Accidents: Drownings from unsafe boats and refugee migrations are frequently omitted.
  • Natural Disasters: Drowning deaths during floods and tsunamis are not always counted despite making up at least 75% of flood-related deaths.
  • Potential True Burden: Adjusted data could reveal that actual drowning deaths are four to five times higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and over 50% higher globally.
• Environmental and Societal Factors Increasing Drowning Risks
  • Climate Change: Rising sea levels and increased frequency of cyclones, hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods amplify exposure to water hazards.
  • Urbanization: Growth of “maximum cities” leads to inadequate infrastructure to handle floods and water-related disasters.
  • Poverty and Risky Livelihoods: Spiraling poverty forces individuals into unsafe water-related jobs and living conditions.
  • Displacement: 120 million forcibly displaced people are at heightened risk due to precarious living situations near water bodies.
  • Educational Access: Children making perilous journeys across dangerous waters to reach schools face daily drowning risks.
• Vulnerable Populations
  • Children Under 10 and Adolescents: Most at risk, already accounting for half of drowning deaths.
  • LMICs Disproportionately Affected: 90% of all drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Minority and Poor Communities: Even in developed countries, these groups face higher drowning rates.
  • Gender Disparities: Males, particularly adolescents and young adults, are more likely to drown due to activities like fishing, boating, and alcohol consumption.
• Diverse Circumstances Leading to Drowning:
  • Unsupervised Children: Young children slipping into ponds, buckets, or pools without adult supervision.
  • Recreational Activities: Drownings during swimming, bathing, or playing in rivers, lakes, and seas.
  • Unsafe Water Transport: Accidents due to overloaded or poorly maintained boats lacking flotation devices.
  • Natural Disasters: Floods and tsunamis
  • causing mass drowning events.
  • Daily Chores: Women drowning while collecting water from unsafe sources due to lack of piped water.
• Viewing Drowning Through the Lens of Social Inequity
• Inequitable Burden: Drowning disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized.
• Policy Shift Needed: Recognition that drowning is not accidental but linked to social determinants.
• Resource Allocation: Calls for more funding and resources for drowning prevention in vulnerable communities.
• Impact of Climate and Natural Disasters:
  • Future Projections: Studies warn that exposure to water hazards will increase manifold due to climate change-induced disasters.
  • Flood-Related Drownings: At least 75% of deaths during floods are due to drowning.

GLOBAL INITIATIVES AND RESPONSES

• WHO’s Global Report: In 2014, WHO published the first Global Report on Drowning Prevention.
• Implementation Framework: A guide for countries to develop drowning prevention strategies.
• UN Resolution: In April 2021, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for global action on drowning prevention.
• Pilot Projects: Initiatives launched in countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh to test prevention strategies.

THE WAY FORWARD:

National Efforts and Successful Models:

• AUSTRALIA:
  • Water Safety Plans: Focus on coastline safety.
  • Lifesavers and Lifeguards: Deployment of trained personnel on beaches.
• VIETNAM:
  • Swim-Safe Curriculum: A national program teaching children to swim and survive in open water.
  • Graduation Requirements: Treading water for 30 seconds and swimming unassisted for 25 meters.
• BANGLADESH:
  • Anchal Model: Community-based childcare centers supervising children aged 1-5.
  • Impact: 88% reduction in drowning deaths among children under four.
• INDIA:
  • Strategic Framework: Released in December 2023 to address drowning prevention.

Preventive Measures and Low-Cost Solutions:

• Strategic Barriers: Installation of fences and barriers around wells, ponds, and other hazardous water bodies.
• Daycare Centers: Providing supervised environments for preschool children.
• Swimming Education: Teaching basic swimming and survival skills to school-age children.
• Safe Water Transport: Ensuring boats are safe and equipped with life jackets and flotation devices.
• Community Awareness: Educating communities about the risks and prevention strategies.

THE CONCLUSION:

Addressing the global drowning crisis requires a multi-sectoral approach, focusing on education, infrastructure, and safety regulations. By implementing effective prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce the toll of drowning and save countless lives each year.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods. highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. 2016

Q.2 Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. 2018

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 Discuss the global burden of drowning as a public health issue, highlighting the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to its prevalence.

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/drowning-a-neglected-public-health-crisis/article68461906.ece