Preventing inuries in Europe: from international collaboration to local implementation

Injuries and violence are the third leading cause of death in the WHO European Region and pose a threat to economic andsocial development. This publication presents the results of a three-year collaborative project between WHO and the EuropeanCommission, funded by SANCO in the framework of the Public Health Programme (2003–2008), on progress achieved by Europeancountries in implementing resolution EUR/RC 55/R9 and the European Council Recommendation on the prevention of injury andthe promotion of safety. A web-based database of country profiles was developed using a questionnaire survey completed byhealth ministry focal people for preventing injury and violence. Information was provided on progress in delivering on key items ofresolution EUR/RC 55/R9, on the implementation of 99 selected evidence-based programmes to prevent unintentional injuries andviolence and on the cross-cutting risk factors of alcohol and socioeconomic inequality. There were responses from 47 of the 51WHO European Member States that have focal people. Good progress is taking place, and resolution EUR/RC 55/R9 has catalysedchange in 75% of the countries responding. The development of national policies for individual types of injury and violence variedfrom 95% for road safety to 40% for preventing drowning. Implementation of evidence-based programmes for preventing all typesof injury and violence varied in countries, and the median score was 73% for all these together. This progress report documentsthat the health sector needs to commit more to the widespread implementation of effective programmes both in number andcoverage and to engage with other stakeholders in a multisectoral response to prevent injuries and violence.