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BEIJING. – More than 160 people drown each day in China and drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 5-14 years, according to estimates released by the World Health Organisation China office yesterday. The report identifies drowning as a leading cause of death in young people in many low- and middle-income countries, including China, which accounts for more than 80 percent of all drowning deaths in the WHO’s Western Pacific Region.
Almost 60 000 people drowned in China in 2012, the report shows.
This figure, however, does not include drowning deaths related to suicide, homicide, natural disasters and flooding or water transportation disasters.
The report highlights that these additional causes can increase instances of drowning by a further 50 percent.
“China has made remarkable progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal 4 target of a two-thirds reduction in under-five child mortality, well ahead of schedule,” said Bernhard Schwartlander, WHO representative in China. – Xinhua.
Online Reporter