EMEDO Celebrates World Drowning Prevention Day – 25th July 2024.

On 25th July 2024, EMEDO proudly joined the global community in observing World Drowning Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and accelerating action on global drowning prevention. Declared through the April 2021 UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/273 “Global drowning prevention,” this significant day is held annually on 25 July.

National Celebrations at Kawe Beach, Dar es Salaam

This year, EMEDO, in collaboration with the National Drowning Prevention Network (NDPN) and the Disaster Management Department of the Prime Minister’s Office of Tanzania, orchestrated the national celebrations held at Kawe Beach, Kinondoni Municipality, in Dar es Salaam. The event aimed to bring together stakeholders and the community to address the critical issue of drowning prevention.

The guest of honor for the event was Hon. Ummy Hamis Nderiananga, Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office for Policy, Parliament, and Coordination. The event saw attendance from a wide array of groups, including representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), NGOs, government leaders, stakeholders from the fisheries sector, BMU Kawe, Kawe Beach boys, fishermen and traders at Kawe Beach, and residents of Kawe Ward.

A Call to Action for Drowning Prevention

In her address, EMEDO’s Founder and Director, Editrudith Lukanga, passionately urged the government to support the joint efforts of stakeholders and the World Health Organization in finalizing the National strategy for Drowning Prevention. This strategy is one of the 10 resolutions issued by WHO to combat drowning deaths worldwide.

“The ten resolutions issued by the United Nations include one major resolution, which is the National strategy for Drowning Prevention that I would like to present here as a request. Last year, the WHO Office, EMEDO, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders, initiated steps but we are still behind,” said Ms. Lukanga.

“Today, with your presence, honorable Deputy Minister, I present this so that the steps can be completed, and we can continue this unity as we have started today,” she added.

Advocating for Water Safety Equipment

Additionally, EMEDO’s board chairman, Mr. Yahya Mgawe, highlighted the need for the government to remove taxes on water safety equipment, especially life jackets. This move would enable fishermen to use such equipment and improve their safety while engaging in fishing activities.

Government Support for Drowning Prevention

In her speech, Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office for Policy, Parliament, and Coordination, Hon. Ummy Nderiananga, emphasized the importance of joint efforts between the government and stakeholders in combating drowning deaths. She pledged the government’s support in creating a national drowning prevention strategy.

“Drowning is one of the disasters that frequently occurs and is increasing rapidly. Given this situation, it is now time to take it seriously and establish strategies to address this issue so that we can reduce the fatalities caused by drowning. Therefore, collective and inclusive efforts are always important,” said Hon. Ummy Nderiananga.

Engaging Activities and Demonstrations

The World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 celebrations were not only marked by insightful speeches but also highlighted by various awareness activities. These included marches, plays, traditional dances, and water safety demonstrations by the fire and rescue force. These activities were designed to engage the community and underscore the importance of water safety.

Looking Forward: A Commitment to Ongoing Education and Collaboration

The celebrations concluded with a strong commitment to continue providing education to fishermen and all communities about the dangers of drowning and water safety tips. Stakeholders also vowed to work together to achieve a national drowning prevention strategy by July 2025.

Final Thoughts

World Drowning Prevention Day serves as a reminder that anyone can drown, but no one should. As we reflect on this year’s celebrations, EMEDO remains dedicated to the cause and looks forward to continued collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to make water safety a priority for all.