At greater risk

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund  has reported that injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among children in the Philippines and other Asian countries.  In its website, UNICEF noted that surveys from the Philippines, Bangladesh, China, Thailand and Vietnam showed that children in these countries are at “great risk” of dying from injuries like drowning and road accidents. 

The report stated that although a child born in Asia is at risk of dying during the first month of life, the survey findings have confirmed that the risk of dying from injury increases after infancy as children grow more and more independent, escaping the threat of death from infectious and non- communicable diseases only to be at risk from fatal accidents and injuries.  Almost half of all child deaths covered by the surveys happened after the age of five.

 The research showed that Asia had made progress in reducing deaths among children under 5 by extending vaccination coverage, improving access to sanitation, promoting good hygiene, and improvement in nutrition.

Our region’s success in reducing deaths among our younger children is indeed commendable.  But, based on this new information, it is imperative that our government must take the lead in ensuring the safety of these older children from accidents and injury.

 Campaigns for better road safety to lessen road traffic accidents, as well as household safety education to prevent the suffocation, falls, and poisoning of our little ones can increase awareness of the dangers and the preventive measures that can be taken by families to avoid being involved in such accidents.  Improving our emergency medical response infrastructure will also give those who are involved in accidents a better chance at surviving. 

The improvement of the country’s infrastructure and services meant to protect children from accidents through education and preparedness is essential because it will not only benefit the children, but can save the lives of adults as well.*