Injury Control

Background

An estimated 1.5 million children in Vietnam were seriously injured every year thatt is about 43000 children each day

Injuries and posoning are major and growing public health problems in Vietnam. In 1977 o­ne in five deaths were due to such causes - a dramatic jump from just 2% in 1976. A nationally representative survey conducted by Ha Noi School of Public Health in 2001 found that every year an approximated 5,4% of the population suffer from injuries, and 61% of years of potential life lost of those who die before the age of 65 are attributable to injuries.

Together with economic grow, the number of motor-vehicles is increasing rapidly in Vietnam and so is the number of traffic accidents and deaths. Traffic collisions o­n the nation's roads claimed five times more lives in 2001 than a decade agon in 1990. The estimated death rate due to traffic injury is 27 per 100,000 population, which is equal to 58 fatality cases every day. It is estimated that just around less than 10% of motorcycle riders wear helmets often.

Work injuires and insecticide poisoning are also increasing rapidly in Vietnam. The number of work injury cases has increased from 3361 to 5000 between 2000 and 2002, while the number of insecticide poisoning cases has increased from 2210 to 7170 in the same period (Health Statistic Year Book 2002)

Response

It is estimated that up to 75% of Traffic related deaths and disability from brain injuries could be avoided by introducing helmet use.

WHO has been helping Ministry of Health towards the establishment of an injury surveillance system, and in fostering coordination among partners involved in injury prevention. The successful celebration of World Health Day 2004 with the theme of road safety was a good example of effective collaboration involving partners from different sectors.

As part of activeties to promote health in workplaces, WHO has provided technical advice to assess workplace hazards and develop national occupational health standards and guidelines. This work has covered also health hazards faced b female agriculture workers.

In Hai Phong, Hue and Da Nang health promotion projects have been set up in small-scale industries. The results have been impressive. After a year, occupational risks and accidents fell in the areas targeted, with a corresponding drop in costs associated with sickness in the workforce.

Partners

Ministry of Health, National Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, UNICEF, ILO, SIDA and Asia Injury Prevention Foundation.