Leave no one behind: An African perspective on the first World Health Organization Global Status Report on Drowning...

Drowning is a significant but under-recognised public health challenge in the African region. The 2024 World Health Organization Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention provides the first comprehensive overview of national drowning prevention efforts across 139 countries and territories, including 33 from Africa. This commentary explores key findings from the report through an African lens, highlighting persistent disparities in drowning burden and response. The African region recorded only a 3% reduction in drowning mortality between 2000 and 2021, compared to 38% globally. Weak civil registration systems, limited data on non-fatal drowning, and under-reporting of flood and transport-related incidents contribute to a significant underestimation of the true burden. Policy and legislative gaps remain widespread, with few countries having national strategies, enforceable legislation, or adequately resourced multisectoral coordination mechanisms. While some countries have implemented vessel safety laws and appointed national focal points, legislation mandating lifejacket use, pool fencing, and alcohol regulation around water is inconsistent and poorly enforced. Critically, only a minority of countries offer community-based child drowning prevention interventions, swimming or water safety education, or lifeguard and bystander rescue training. The African region's high exposure to water during everyday life, work, and disaster, exacerbated by vulnerabilities including poverty, rurality, and climate volatility, underscores the need for urgent investment in locally relevant, evidence-informed drowning prevention efforts. This commentary calls for strong leadership, improved data systems, and equitable, sustainable partnerships to support whole-of-society responses to drowning in Africa.