WHO Launches PROTECT Framework in Accra to Combat Global Drowning Crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially introduced the PROTECT Technical Package for Drowning Prevention in Accra, Ghana. This global policy framework is designed to assist nations in curbing the alarming rate of drowning deaths, which claim over 300,000 lives annually worldwide. With more than 90% of these fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries, the initiative represents a critical effort to address a frequently overlooked public health emergency that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

Dr. Fiona Braka, the WHO Country Representative for Ghana, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that nearly half of all drowning victims are under the age of 30. The PROTECT package is built upon seven strategic pillars that provide practical, evidence-based guidance to strengthen legislation and multi-sectoral systems. These pillars focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving rescue capacities, securing transport safety, and expanding education and community awareness. By integrating health, education, and disaster management sectors, the package aims to create a comprehensive safety net against water-related tragedies.

Supporting the initiative, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, highlighted the profound impact of drowning on local communities and national development. He underscored the increasing risks posed by climate-related floods and announced the government's commitment to institutionalizing water rescue training and bolstering emergency response capabilities. The Ministry of the Interior plans to utilize the PROTECT framework to refine national policies and ensure that water safety measures are embedded into the country's broader development agenda.

The implementation of the package in Ghana is further bolstered by a partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. The organization is collaborating with local universities and NGOs to enhance swimming education and lifeguard services, ensuring that life-saving skills are accessible to the public. As stakeholders move toward active implementation, the focus remains on transforming the PROTECT guidelines into tangible actions that protect children and safeguard the lives of those living in high-risk aquatic environments.