Injuries and violence in Europe. Why they matter and what can be done. Summary

2005, 22 pages
ISBN 92 890 1380 X

Injuries create huge human, financial and other costs to society. In the WHO European Region, road traffic injuries, drowning, poisoning, falls, fires, self-inflicted injuries and interpersonal violence are estimated to kill over 2000 people, put 60 000 others in hospital and necessitate outpatient emergency treatment for 600 000 more every day. But the evidence shows that they can be predicted and prevented.

This booklet summarizes the findings of a larger publication and identifies eight unique opportunities for policy-makers, civil-society organizations and professionals in the health sector to improve health by reducing the burden of injuries on the European Region.