Nation Launches Decade of Action for Road Safety

Concord Times (Freetown)

23 May 2011

Freetown — The ministry of Transport and Aviation in collaboration with the ministry of Health and Sanitation and WHO launched the Global Plan for Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 in Sierra Leone at the Council of Churches conference hall on 11 May 2011.

In his statement during the launching ceremony, WHO Representative, Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu said road traffic injuries are a major but neglected public health challenges that require concerted efforts for effective and sustained prevention. Furthermore, he said that reducing road casualties and fatalities will reduce sufferings, unlock growth and free resources for more productive use.

The representative of the minister of Transport and Aviation described the collaboration between their agency and WHO as vital in their effort to combat the growing problem of road traffic accident which is responsible for the death of 1.3 million people per year globally. Deputy minister of Health and Sanitation, Hon. Borbor Sawyer said “the plan is a good step to reducing the socio-economic impacts of road traffic accidents”.

Executive director of the Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority, in his statement, underlined the fact that the prevalence of motor bike accidents in particular has overwhelmed the resources and capacity of the emergency medical services which is a serious concern. Also, he said the “launch of the Global Action on Road Safety will serve as a platform to press forward other safety interventions to reduce fatalities and casualties based on international standards.”

Road traffic accidents are particularly common in Sierra Leone with commercial motor bikes, a new form of transportation introduced some years ago. Motor bike riders do not routinely wear helmet.

Radio and television discussions are ongoing to raise public awareness on the Decade Plan and to increase compliance with safe road policies. Comedy was used to raise awareness at the launch. The public awareness raising activities continue throughout the week.

WHO says it will continue supporting the country to domesticate the Global Action and prepare a national action plan.

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