Vietnam targets injury prevention as 30,000 deaths reported annually

Traffic accidents, drowning, falls, burns, and workplace incidents are the leading causes of injury-related deaths and disabilities.

Aside from the human toll, injuries impose heavy economic and social burdens and strain the healthcare system.

The ministry’s new plan aims to reduce injury risks and fatalities while improving first aid and emergency response at the community level.

Local authorities are tasked with expanding public education campaigns to raise awareness and teach prevention skills.

Healthcare agencies will strengthen training programs for medical staff, school health workers, volunteers, and those working in high-risk areas such as markets, transport hubs, and recreational centers.

Families will also be guided on preparing and using basic first aid tools.

Vietnam plans to mobilize domestic and international resources, drawing on guidance from the World Health Organization and lessons from regional countries.

Conferences and workshops will be used to share best practices and improve monitoring systems.

The ministry aims for all provinces and cities to develop and implement communication campaigns on injury prevention and first aid by 2030.

At least 80 percent of communes, wards, and special zones are expected to include injury prevention in community health education.

All provincial disease control centers and commune-level health stations will be trained in injury surveillance.

Besides, every province or city will have trained medical instructors to lead first aid and emergency training.

All communes, wards, and special zones will organize training for school health workers, village health staff, volunteers, and managers of high-risk public areas.