The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on African nations to implement comprehensive policies aimed at reducing road crash deaths, which have risen by 17% in the past decade. The organization’s 2023 status report on road safety in the African region, launched in Nairobi, emphasizes the need for improved legislative frameworks, data management, and post-crash response systems.
Alarming Statistics and Urgent Need for Action
According to the report, Africa, with 15% of the global population and 3% of vehicles, accounts for 20% of all road crash deaths worldwide. In 2021 alone, almost 250,000 lives were lost on the continent’s roads. The report underscores that while global road traffic death rates decreased by 5%, Africa saw a 17% increase from 2010 to 2021. The primary victims are males aged 15 to 64, with motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians being the most affected.
The WHO attributes the rise in fatalities to multiple factors, including inadequate road safety laws and standards. It noted that no country in the region meets best practice standards for key road safety behaviors like speed regulation, drink driving, and the use of helmets, seatbelts, and child restraints. Moreover, limited investment in alternative modes of transport, such as cycling and walking, has exacerbated the problem.
Comprehensive Road Safety Policies Needed
The WHO’s recommendations emphasize the need for African countries to adopt holistic road safety policies that address various underlying issues. These policies should promote sustainable transportation systems, enhance road safety legislation, and invest in robust data management systems. Improved post-crash response and tailored research are also crucial to tackling the continent’s unique challenges.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the public health crisis posed by road traffic deaths. “Hundreds of thousands of lives are being lost unnecessarily. As WHO, we are committed to working hand in hand with countries to tackle this preventable threat and support efforts to make our roads safer for everyone,” she said.
The report also pointed out the lack of post-crash care services in many African countries. Fewer than one-third of nations have adequate pre-hospital care, emergency care, and treatment and rehabilitation services. This gap significantly hampers efforts to save lives and reduce the long-term impact of road crashes.
Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
WHO representative in Kenya, Abdourahmane Diallo, stressed the importance of revamping transport infrastructure and retraining motorists to reduce road accident burdens. Furthermore, he called for targeted safety education for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. “To reduce the burden of road accidents, countries need to revamp transport infrastructure, retrain motorists, and promote safety education targeting all road users,” Diallo stated.
The report also identified the need for better enforcement of traffic laws and standards to curb speeding and drunk driving, two major contributors to road crashes. Addressing these issues, alongside improving road conditions and expanding safety education, is essential for reducing fatalities.
To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of halving road crash deaths by 2030, WHO urges African countries to take immediate and sustained action. Furthermore, the organization calls for collaboration among governments, NGOs, civil society, and international partners to implement these comprehensive road safety measures.
Source: Graphic Online
