During its session headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Council of Ministers, on Tuesday, adopted the “International Day for the Prevention of drowning” on July 25 of each year.
Fahd Al -Jalajel, the Saudi Minister of Health, stressed that this decision embodies the great support that the sector enjoys from the leadership, and the country’s firm commitment to human health and safety, which devotes its pioneering position in the field of public and preventive health, in line with the “Transformation of the Health Sector” program that emanates from the “Kingdom’s Vision 2030”, aimed at building a “vital society” whose members enjoy full health.
Al -Jalajel praised the prominent role played by health and patriotic authorities in formulating and implementing the “National Policy for the Prevention of drowning”, whose effects were reflected in reducing the death rates related to water accidents by more than 17 percent per 100,000 people, which contributed to avoiding economic burdens estimated at 800 million riyals, according to accredited local and international reports.
The minister pointed out that the adoption of Saudi Arabia for this day reflects its commitment to the principle of “health in all policies”, and is an extension of its comprehensive efforts in promoting water safety, and reducing the causes of death and injuries that can be avoided, stressing that it topped the World Health Organization list for 2024 in terms of completing the highest water safety and rescue standards between 140 countries.
He stressed the health of the health system in activating preventive awareness programs and rapid intervention, and expanding the scope of cooperation with the relevant authorities to ensure the achievement of the highest levels of safety in water environments, whether in homes, tourism establishments or coasts and public pools, in a manner that ensures the protection of lives and raising the quality of life.
Jalajel pointed out that the ministry continues to work with partners in all sectors to enhance societal awareness of the risks associated with drowning and the development of preventive policies, up to a conscious and safe society, whose members enjoy a sustainable healthy environment.
