Preventing injuries

The incidence of serious injuries is increasing in many European countries, especially those undergoing major political and social transitions. The large variation in the burden of deaths from injuries across the European Region and the success of injury prevention in many European countries serve to underline the potential for prevention and the need for action.

Considerable progress in reducing injuries has been made in western European countries by promoting political commitment, raising public awareness and involving civil society. To achieve the desired reduction in those European countries where injury rates are unacceptably high, a similar effort will be needed. Although injury prevention strategies have been developed, it is necessary to adapt them to specific risk situations and to evaluate their effectiveness in the context of each European country.