Around 9,600 Die from Drowning Yearly in Bangladesh

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent action to prevent drowning in Bangladesh, warning that around 9,600 people lose their lives to drowning every year despite the availability of proven, life-saving interventions.

Drowning remains the leading cause of death among children aged one to four years in Bangladesh, with thousands of children—particularly those in rural and low-income communities—dying each year in incidents that are largely preventable.

According to WHO, most drowning deaths among children under the age of five occur within 20 metres of the home, mainly in ponds, ditches and water containers.

The appeal comes as the world marks World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, an annual observance aimed at raising awareness that drowning deaths are preventable and promoting evidence-based measures to save lives.

WHO urged Bangladesh to build on its leadership in drowning prevention by increasing investment in proven interventions, strengthening partnerships and sustaining efforts to address what it described as one of the world's most overlooked public health challenges.

Globally, more than 300,000 people die from drowning each year—equivalent to nearly 30 deaths every hour. Almost one-quarter of those deaths involve children under the age of five, while drowning is among the 10 leading causes of death for children aged five to 14 worldwide.

The WHO South-East Asia Region accounts for 28% of global drowning deaths, with Bangladesh among the countries most affected.

"Drowning is a silent but preventable public health crisis. Every drowning death represents a tragedy that can and must be prevented," said Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh.

"As we observe World Drowning Prevention Day, WHO reaffirms its commitment to supporting evidence-based action, stronger partnerships and increased investment in proven interventions that reduce drowning deaths," he said.

WHO said Bangladesh has demonstrated global leadership in drowning prevention by championing international resolutions at both the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly.

The organisation also highlighted the government's National Drowning Prevention Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030), which promotes evidence-based interventions such as Anchal centres (community childcare centres), SwimSafe survival swimming programmes and first responder training.

However, WHO stressed that greater urgency and sustained investment are needed to maximise the health, social and economic benefits of these interventions.

Evidence from Bangladesh suggests that every US$1 invested in drowning prevention generates an estimated US$9 in social and economic benefits.

WHO identified four priority areas for action:

Integrating drowning prevention into national health, education and disaster risk reduction policies.
Expanding proven interventions such as Anchal centres, SwimSafe programmes and first responder training, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Strengthening partnerships among government agencies, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector and local communities.
Increasing investment in research, surveillance and data systems to improve evidence-based policymaking and track progress.

"We know how to prevent drowning. The challenge now is to scale up proven interventions and ensure they reach every child and every community at risk," Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed said.

"With sustained political commitment, strong partnerships and continued investment, we can dramatically reduce drowning deaths and save thousands of lives each year."

WHO also urged governments, development partners and communities to unite behind proven solutions to protect children, strengthen community resilience and prevent avoidable loss of life.