The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for stronger collaboration and increased investment in drowning prevention across Africa, warning that an estimated 66,000 people die from drowning each year in the region.
In a message to commemorate World Drowning Prevention Day 2026, observed annually on July 25, the WHO Regional Director for Africa said this year’s theme, “Unite to Turn the Tide,” underscores the need for governments, communities and development partners to work together to prevent avoidable deaths.
While noting that the global drowning death rate has declined by 38 per cent since 2000, the WHO said more than 300,000 people still die from drowning every year worldwide, with the African Region recording the highest mortality rate among all WHO regions.
According to the organisation, children account for more than half of all drowning deaths in Africa, while families whose livelihoods depend on rivers, lakes and coastal waters remain particularly vulnerable.
The WHO stressed that drowning is preventable through sustained investment, stronger public policies and coordinated action involving multiple sectors, including health, education, transport, fisheries, maritime authorities, disaster risk management, local governments, civil society and the private sector.
The organisation highlighted progress made by several African countries in strengthening drowning prevention initiatives. Tanzania and Uganda have advanced national strategies, while Ghana is leading regional policy dialogue. Mozambique and Nigeria have also committed to improving multisectoral coordination to tackle drowning.
WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member states through improved governance, stronger data collection and surveillance systems, capacity building and the implementation of evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing drowning-related deaths.
The organisation also urged governments to prioritise drowning prevention within national public health and development agendas while encouraging families and communities to adopt simple but lifesaving measures such as supervising children around water, promoting swimming and water safety education, wearing life jackets where necessary and practising safe behaviour around rivers, lakes and coastal areas.
The WHO emphasized that every drowning death is preventable and called for collective action to ensure safer communities across Africa.
