The 15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (Safety 2024) commenced in New Delhi on 2^nd September 2024, with a significant announcement, i.e. the launch of the National Strategy for Prevention of Unintentional Injury.

The comprehensive roadmap, developed in collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the World Health Organization, and The George Institute for Global Health, aims to reduce the burden of injuries in India.

The strategy prioritises four key injury mechanisms- road traffic injuries, drowning, burns, and falls from heights, and focuses on three vulnerable population groups- workers, children, and older people. It also emphasises state-level focus, recognising the importance of tailoring interventions to specific regional contexts.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, emphasised the importance of collaboration across various sectors and levels of government. "The strategy provides technical guidance and targeted action plans, empowering diverse stakeholders to take ownership of injury prevention efforts," he said.

Safety 2024, held from September 2-4, brought together international experts to discuss strategies for reducing injury-related deaths and disabilities worldwide. Key themes included improving coordination among stakeholders, strengthening research capacity, integrating injury prevention with global health agendas, empowering communities, and promoting informed policymaking.