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Many patients with brain injuries caused by traffic accidents are now hospitalized. |
After two years of implementation, six communes in Binh Dinh have been recognized as safe communities for the first time. The model needs spreading for the accidental injury is one of the main causes of deaths and disabilities.
The key model
The accidental injury has been increasing, mainly caused by traffic accident, drowning, poisoning, fall, electric shock, and domestic violence. It is the main cause of deaths for children and women’s health.
Under the VIE/03/P20 project, the health sector has implemented the accident and injury prevention model called “safe community” in 6 communes of Nhon Hau, Nhon Hanh, Dap Da, Cat Tuong, Cat Hanh, and Cat Thanh with the aim at promoting the role of local residents in preventing accidental injuries in the community.
Many activities were held across six communes to raise the people’s awareness about the accident prevention and injury control.
Thanks to the project, some effective measures were implemented to overcome and reduce the risk of accidental injury in the community. It also helped upgrade the facilities in these communes, such as panels, warning signs, and medical boxes.
Participants including local authorities and officials were also trained, let along health and first aid services for the accidental injury.
Need spreading
Statistics showed that 100% of communes got five safe community criteria of the Ministry of Health. The model has brought many benefits to people. All people and local authorities, therefore, supported it.
In August, 2006, nearly 1% of the population in six communes had accidents and injuries, mainly caused by fall (44%) and traffic accidents (36%). After two years of implementation, the figure has been cut down.
“Building a safe community is an important strategy for the accident prevention and injury control,” said doctor Ho Viet My, director of provincial Health Department. “The model proved its effectiveness. Thus, it needs maintaining and spreading, aiming at reducing the rate of deaths caused by accidental injuries in Binh Dinh.”
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