Sure! Here’s the translation into American English:
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Over the past decade, at least three million people have lost their lives to drowning, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although there has been a decrease in the global number of deaths from this cause since 2000, more than 300,000 people continue to die each year. In 2021, 12% of these deaths were recorded in the Eastern Mediterranean region, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.
On the occasion of World Drowning Prevention Day, observed on July 25, the aim is to raise awareness about the devastating impact of this cause of death on families and communities, as well as to present effective solutions for prevention. Drownings are recognized as one of the leading causes of accidental death and are defined as respiratory difficulties resulting from immersion in a liquid. This year’s slogan, “Anyone can drown; it shouldn’t happen to anyone,” highlights the universality of this risk.
In the Eastern Mediterranean, 83% of drowning fatalities affect young people under 30, and children aged five to 14 account for 23.4% of deaths in that age group, making this cause the second most common cause of death among them. Additionally, the WHO has noted that low- and middle-income countries have the highest mortality rates, and men have a mortality rate at least double that of women.
Migrants in the region face significant risk, with drowning disproportionately affecting low-income individuals, with rates up to 3.2 times higher than in high-income countries. Factors that increase the risk include proximity to bodies of water, recreational activities, flash floods, and lack of supervision.
In response to this crisis, some countries have implemented successful prevention interventions, such as weather alert systems and rescue services. The WHO has urged communities to improve aquatic safety and develop national drowning prevention plans. Collaboration between different sectors and increased research on the risks associated with drowning are essential to protect at-risk individuals. Through policy dialogues and awareness campaigns, more lives can be saved and tragedies related to drowning can be mitigated worldwide.
via: MiMub in Spanish
