Injuries and violence are the third leading cause of death in the WHO European Region and pose a threat to economic and social development. This publication presents the results of a three-year collaborative project between WHO and the European Commission, funded by SANCO in the framework of the Public Health Programme (2003—2008), on progress achieved by European countries in implementing resolution EUR/RC55/R9 and the European Council Recommendation on the prevention of injury and the promotion of safety. A web-based database of country profiles was developed using a questionnaire survey completed by health ministry focal people for preventing injury and violence. Information was provided on progress in delivering on key items of resolution EUR/RC55/R9, on the implementation of 99 selected evidence-based programmes to prevent unintentional injuries and violence and on the cross-cutting risk factors of alcohol and socioeconomic inequality. There were responses from 47 of the 51 WHO European Member States that have focal people. Good progress is taking place, and resolution EUR/RC55/R9 has catalysed change in 75% of the countries responding. The development of national policies for individual types of injury and violence varied from 95% for road safety to 40% for preventing drowning. Implementation of evidence-based programmes for preventing all types of injury and violence varied in countries, and the median score was 73% for all these together. This progress report documents that the health sector needs to commit more to the widespread implementation of effective programmes both in number and coverage and to engage with other stakeholders in a multisectoral response to prevent injuries and violence. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting