The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a new technical package containing seven proven strategies to help governments and communities prevent drowning, one of the leading causes of death among children globally.

The initiative, known by the acronym PROTECT, was unveiled ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on 25 July.

In a statement issued on Thursday, WHO said nearly 300,000 people die from drowning every year, making it one of the 10 leading causes of death among children aged five to 14 years worldwide.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus described every drowning as a preventable tragedy and urged governments to adopt practical, evidence-based measures to save lives.

Mr Ghebreyesus said preventing drowning requires coordinated action across sectors rather than the efforts of a single ministry.

“The seven measures are packaged under the acronym, PROTECT, translating the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention into practical policy guidance for countries,” he said.

According to him, the package focuses on safer physical infrastructure around water, improved rescue and resuscitation services, occupational safety for water-related work and stronger safety standards for water transport.

It also promotes swimming and water safety education, stronger childcare and safeguarding systems, and better preparedness for floods and other emergencies.

Mr Ghebreyesus said WHO launched the PROTECT package in Ghana in recognition of the country’s growing commitment to drowning prevention and efforts to improve water safety.

He said it estimated that more than 1,100 people died from drowning annually in Ghana, equivalent to approximately three deaths every day.

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Mr Ghebreyesus said that children and young adults accounted for the highest burden.

WHO boss said that Ghana’s leadership demonstrated how evidence-based policies could reduce drowning deaths and encouraged other governments to adopt similar preventive measures.

Kelly Henning, who leads the public health programme at Bloomberg Philanthropies, said the framework would save lives, while strengthening global efforts to reduce drowning through proven interventions.

Mr Henning said that since 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies had partnered with WHO on drowning prevention.

World Drowning Prevention Day theme, “Unite to Turn the Tide,” calls for coordinated action by governments, partners and communities to prevent drowning and save lives.

(NAN)

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has declared that Bayer Leverkusen are fully focused on writing another successful chapter in the club’s history, insisting that last season’s achievements will count for little when the new campaign begins.

The Nigerian striker, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s remarkable rise over the past few seasons, said the club’s recent accomplishments remain a source of pride but stressed that attention has now shifted to new objectives.

Boniface was instrumental during Leverkusen’s historic domestic success, helping establish the club among Europe’s elite and ending decades of waiting for major honours. However, the 24-year-old believes the challenge now is to maintain those standards rather than dwell on past achievements.

“What we achieved over the last few years is like a dream come true—for me, the club and our supporters. Those memories will always be special,” Boniface said.

The former Union Saint-Gilloise striker acknowledged that success in football is measured by consistency, adding that every new season presents fresh expectations and greater challenges.

“This is a new season with new objectives. We have to stay focused, work hard and hopefully celebrate more success at the end of the campaign,” he added.

Leverkusen head into the new Bundesliga season determined to remain among Germany’s top contenders despite changes within the squad and increased competition from traditional rivals Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

For Boniface, the campaign also presents another opportunity to cement his status as one of Africa’s leading forwards after establishing himself as a key figure for both club and country.

The Nigerian international is expected to spearhead Leverkusen’s attack once again as the club competes on multiple fronts, including the Bundesliga, domestic cup competitions and European football.

His comments reflect the mentality that has defined Leverkusen’s resurgence in recent years—a relentless desire to keep improving despite already achieving historic milestones.

With pre-season preparations entering their final stages, Boniface believes the squad has the quality, hunger and experience to challenge for more trophies.

For Leverkusen’s supporters, the message from their Nigerian star is clear: the celebrations of previous seasons are over, and the pursuit of new silverware has already begun.