Citation

Ozanne-Smith J. Bull. World Health Organ. 2009; 87(5): 399-400.

Affiliation

Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. joan.ozanne-smith@med.monash.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, World Health Organization)

DOI

10.2471/BLT.09.064642

PMID

19551261

PMCID

PMC2678763

Abstract

The recently launched WHO/UNICEF World report on child injury prevention, reported reductions in the rate of child injury mortality by more than 50% in 30 years in high-income countries in the late 20th century. The global challenge is to reduce injuries in all countries to similar levels, using existing and new knowledge over a similar or shorter time-frame. Sustaining effort in high-income countries, where injury remains the leading cause of death post-infancy, is equally challenging.

These goals should be feasible and a priority, since many known solutions are cost effective and have short lead times to measurable injury reductions. Yet, as Dr Barry Pless indicates, the necessary widespread support from ministries of health is lacking and there are challenges in the translation of research to implementation.

Language: en