Explain why drowning is considered a neglected public health crisis. Discuss the global and national measures being implemented to address it.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Disaster Management
Topic: Disaster Management
Q5. Explain why drowning is considered a neglected public health crisis. Discuss the global and national measures being implemented to address it. (250 Words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu,
Why the question: The article emphasizes the increasing prevalence of drowning incidents (including the recent case of drowning in the Rau’s IAS Library in Delhi) due to various socio-economic and environmental factors, highlighting the need for urgent and comprehensive public health interventions. Key Demand of the question: To explain the reasons behind the high incidence of drowning deaths and the steps taken at both global and national levels to prevent them. Directive word: Explain – Clarify the reasons for the neglect of drowning as a public health issue and outline the measures being implemented to address it. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Define drowning as a major cause of death and mention its prevalence globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Body: Mention the factors contributing to the high incidence of drowning: rising sea levels, urbanization, poverty, risky livelihoods, and lack of safety measures. In the above point, highlight the specific vulnerabilities of children and adolescents. Describe global efforts, including the WHO’s Global Report on Drowning Prevention, UN resolution on drowning prevention, and country-specific initiatives like Australia’s water safety plans, Vietnam’s swimming lessons, and Bangladesh’s “Anchal” model. Next, mention India’s recent strategic framework for drowning prevention, focusing on data collection and multi-sectoral responses. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the increasing prevalence of drowning incidents (including the recent case of drowning in the Rau’s IAS Library in Delhi) due to various socio-economic and environmental factors, highlighting the need for urgent and comprehensive public health interventions.
Key Demand of the question: To explain the reasons behind the high incidence of drowning deaths and the steps taken at both global and national levels to prevent them.
Directive word: Explain – Clarify the reasons for the neglect of drowning as a public health issue and outline the measures being implemented to address it.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define drowning as a major cause of death and mention its prevalence globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Mention the factors contributing to the high incidence of drowning: rising sea levels, urbanization, poverty, risky livelihoods, and lack of safety measures.
• In the above point, highlight the specific vulnerabilities of children and adolescents.
• Describe global efforts, including the WHO’s Global Report on Drowning Prevention, UN resolution on drowning prevention, and country-specific initiatives like Australia’s water safety plans, Vietnam’s swimming lessons, and Bangladesh’s “Anchal” model.
• Next, mention India’s recent strategic framework for drowning prevention, focusing on data collection and multi-sectoral responses.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.