The Ministry of Health has launched the 11th National Accident Prevention Week today (06) with the aim of raising public awareness on preventing accidents and reducing accident-related deaths and injuries.
The Ministry noted that thousands of people lose their lives each year due to accidents, while many more suffer injuries or permanent disabilities.
The week-long programme, which will continue until July 10, will officially commence this morning at the main auditorium of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
According to the Ministry, a significant proportion of hospital admissions are caused by emergency accidents, with road traffic accidents, workplace incidents, drowning, and accidents at home identified as the leading causes.
Organised by the Non-Communicable Disease Unit of the Ministry of Health under the guidance of the National Advisory Committee on Accident Prevention, the programme will focus on a different accident prevention theme each day.
Today’s activities will focus on road accident prevention, while tomorrow’s programme will highlight workplace accident prevention. The following day has been designated as Home and Elderly Care Accident Prevention Day.
The Ministry said awareness campaigns, identification of high-risk locations, practical safety initiatives, and short-, medium-, and long-term accident prevention measures will be implemented across the country throughout the week to promote safer environments and reduce the incidence of accidents.
