WHO: Drowning-related deaths 'slightly increased' in PH

There has been an increase in deaths related to drowning in the Philippines, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday.

"There is, unfortunately, there is a slight increase in drowning deaths in this country," said Dr. Hiromasa Okayasu, WHO Western Pacific Region, Director of Healthy Environment and Population, during a Regional Press Conference in Manila.

He said that the majority or significant portion of such deaths are minors or children, noting that there's "a very significant tragedy there."

The WHO representative did not provide specific figures on the current drownings in the country but the most recent data showed that of the 42,539 injury-related deaths, 27,258 were due to unintentional injuries, including drowning.

In 2021, WHO reported that an estimated 300,250 people died from drowning, making drowning a major public health problem worldwide.

The study showed that drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death, 'accounting for 9% of all injury-related deaths.'

Dr. Okayasu said WHO is working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) and its partners to develop a multi-sectoral plan for drowning prevention in the Philippines.

They also aim to integrate swimming and water activities into the school curriculum.

"We are also specifically working on a couple of recommendations such as integrating swimming and water safety in the school curriculum, and then there will be fences as a safeguard in the water places in this country as well as the control of the alcohol in the area," he said.

Okayasu also pointed out that most of the deaths involving adults are linked to alcohol.

Meanwhile, Susan Mercado, WHO Director of Program Management, said during the media briefing that 70% of Filipinos live in coastal areas.

"And currently, the data will not show in our report, but 15% of communities are constantly living underwater. Risk is high because the environment is changing," she added.

At the conference, WHO reported that nearly 9 out of 10 deaths are recorded due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes in the Western Pacific Region.

Dr. Kidong Park, Director of Data, Strategy and Innovation at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office said among the major risk factors are alcohol and tobacco use.

"There are many causing the NCDs and two major things are alcohol consumption and second is tobacco," said Kidong.

During the conference, WHO, partner agencies, and governments confirmed their commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

"We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind as we weave a healthier future," said Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala of Tonga, WHO Regional Director. —RF, GMA Integrated News