World Health • 46th Year, No. l, Jonuory-februory 1993
Editorial
World Heohh Day 1993
Handle life with care; prevent violence and negligence
A
t least three and a half million people on our planet die every year as a result of injuries caused by accidental or intentional violence. Whether on the roads, at home, at work or at play, the risks of injury to individuals have been neglected for too long, and the need to prevent and reduce them has so far received little public attention.Today, public health is improving in many countries, and life expectancy at birth is increasing everywhere. It is therefore less acceptable than ever before that so many people should meet a violent and premature death, or that millions of others should become permanently handicapped. More than half the deaths of young people are due to injuries, and injuries represent the main cause of potential years of
· life lost.
As a result of negligence, indifference or foul play, millions of people each year require medical care after accidents or acts of physical violence. At a time when economic crises are jeopardizing efforts to improve the health of mankind, injuries of all kinds cost the world community almost US$ 500 thousand million a year in medical care and lost productivity.
In devoting World Health Day 1993 to the prevention of accidents and injuries, the World Health Organization wishes to draw attention to the sometimes disastrous consequences for individuals and society of accidents and acts of physical violence, which very often can be prevented.
physical violence, which very often can be prevented. It is time to show that in contemporary society safety is a matter of individual and collective responsibility. Far from being a marginal concern, it should form an integral part of health promotion policies.
To lose a healthy life, only through carelessness, is a tragic waste.
Accidents and acts of violence happen easily, and not just to other people.
The safety of each is the responsibility of all. •
Or Hiroshi Nakajima,
Oirector·Genero/ of the World Health Organization.
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In devoting World Health Day 1993 to the prevention of accidents and injuries, the World Health Organization wishes to draw attention to the sometimes disastrous
consequences for individuals and
society of accidents and acts of Hiroshi Nakajima, M. D., Ph. D.
