Shaping global strategy, mobilising for local action: reflections from the World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2023

Abstract

Drowning is a significant cause of preventable mortality and morbidity and has been described as a serious, preventable and neglected public health challenge. Amid building momentum for drowning prevention, most notably with recent United Nations and World Health Assembly Declarations, researchers, policymakers and practitioners convened at the World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP) 2023 under the conference theme of ‘shaping a global strategy – mobilizing for local action’. In this special feature, we reflect on the outcomes of the WCDP 2023. Throughout the work presented by more than 750 research, policy and technical experts from over 50 countries, five overarching themes emerged: (1) advancing further contextualisation and interventions, especially in Africa; (2) integrating drowning prevention into climate and disaster agendas; (3) addressing the threats and opportunities in migration; (4) positioning drowning prevention as an issue of social justice; and (5) expanding focus on implementation research. WCDP 2023 delegates co-designed a conference call to action comprising of 16 statements designed to further strengthen global efforts on drowning prevention between now and the WCDP 2025. These actions aim to encourage increased collaboration, create new knowledge, address inequities, amplify voices of those most affected and continue shared commitments to eliminate drowning.