The statistics were released by a project to prevent accidents and injuries to children conducted by the Preventive Health and Environment Department in co-ordination with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Most of the children had either drowned or fallen from trees while others had either been bitten by animals or killed in traffic accidents and fires.

How can adults anticipate risks and prevent child injuries? A reporter from Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) interviewed Ms Tran Thi Ngoc Lan from the Department of Occupational Health, Accidents and Injuries under the Preventive Health and Environment Department on the issue.

Reporter: There is a sharp increase in the number of children who have lost their lives in drowning and traffic accidents, especially over the past five years. In your opinion, what is the biggest cause of this?

Ms Lan: According to statistics, child injuries account for 20 percent of all total injuries and deaths. In my opinion, the main reasons are:

Firstly, the number of children, who drowned in areas nearby the rivers and ponds, is much higher than those from other areas due to negligence by the parents or baby sitters. We still remember the tragic drowning of children in Chom Lom, central Nghe An province due to poor knowledge and a lack of safety facilities.

Secondly, there are different means of transport running in the country while traffic laws including a large number of cars and motorbikes are not well enforced. Thirdly, due attention has not been paid to building safe houses for children. Fourthly, toys and teaching aids are not always hygienic and can spread disease. Fifthly, parents’ knowledge of the issue remains poor while many emergency facilities are outdated.

Reporter: Could you warn parents about some of the risks that might cause injuries to children?

Ms Lan: There are some pitiful cases. For example, in a village, three children went back to school and felt sleepy. Then, they climbed into a haystack and were knocked over by a truck. Some children went swimming without telling their families while others fell from a footbridge on their way to school. Some children suffered injuries due to drinking pesticides or eating colorful pesticides, which their parents used to trap mice and rats.

Reporter: To cope with the increasing number of child injuries, in your opinion, what should parents do to help their children avoid such accidents?

Ms Lan: Parents and babysitters should anticipate risks and take measures to help children avoid such accidents. For example, sharp objects and hot cooking pots should be put out of reach while chemicals should always be put in a safe place. It is also important for them to pay attention to electric sockets. When accidents happen, it is necessary to have knowledge of first aid. Schools should also ensure their children’s safety while teachers can teach pupils how to avoid traffic accidents and injuries. If children are well educated on the issue, they will have the skills to protect themselves.