The Western Cape health department is considering expanding a child injury prevention programme that could significantly reduce the number of child deaths from "unintentional" accidents in the home - the leading cause of death in children.
At least six percent of South Africa's annual child injury deaths are caused by "unintentionally-inflicted injuries" of which burns from hot liquids are the most common.
While international research shows children in lower-income neighbourhoods are most at risk, up until now little has been done to raise awareness about preventing these accidents.
The Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa's president, Sebastian van As, said these "everyday injuries" were a "persisting public health threat".
But, as most are "predictable and therefore preventable events", Van As said the risks could be minimised by making environmental changes or by introducing safety practices into the home... Cape Times
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