Save children from drowning

Child drowning is a major concern in Bangladesh, with over 7.9 per cent of children aged under five drowning annually in rural areas. The number (5.8 per cent) is relatively lower in urban areas, according to a Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) study. Drowning is the most preventable cause of death, yet it is the most neglected public health issue in our country. The data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF show that over 14,000 children drown in the country every year. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children under five. Recognising this cause, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 25 as the World Drowning Prevention Day in 2021. The day has been celebrated across the country with a number of programmes. But the number of drowned children is not decreasing.
Although we have achieved success in many fields, we have not yet been successful in preventing the death of children from drowning. In different parts of the country, drowning of children is taking place on a regular basis but we do not seem to be so worried about it. Among the causes of child drowning, parents' ignorance is highly noticeable. Not only do children die due to lack of knowledge, but adults also die as they do not know how to swim.
People from all walks of life need to act more consciously. Everyone is; perhaps, well aware of the fact that May, June and July are the most dangerous months when drowning incidents are more frequent in our country. Yet, we constantly ignore the issue and pay for it with lives of our dear children. Instead of only criticising the authorities concerned, we should also start to take responsibility for our own actions. So, we urge individuals, communities and the government to raise awareness and do all we can to ensure every child's right to survive and thrive.

Abu Elias Linkon,
Banasree,
Dhaka,
lightening_sparkle@yahoo.com