The future of injury prevention in Asia and the Pacific

Abstract

Unintentional injury is gaining attention in the broad Asia-Pacific region, primarily but not solely associated with rapid and disturbing growth in traffic injury. Objective. This paper considers the nature and features of the injury problem and of current prevention efforts that are likely to be significant in injury prevention in the Asia Pacific region. Method. Prior to the first Asia-Pacific Injury Prevention Conference an e-mail discussion on the challenges and needs of injury prevention was conducted and a discussion paper circulated. The analysis was presented at the conference and the issues were taken up at a special regional network meeting, in the conference sessions and in informal discussion. Results. The paper outlines the injury situation facing the broad Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries, outlining the size and nature of the problem. The challenges to prevention are lack of awareness and misconceptions about injury, weak intent and low levels of effort and a lack of capacity. The positive elements of work under way or in prospect are described. Conclusion. The key tasks are to apply what is already known: to test and trial interventions in low- and middle-income countries; to identify the key causes of injury within the broad categories; and to foster and build partnerships.