Global Plan for the Decade of Action (2021-2030)

Organisation: World Health Organisation (WHO)
Date of Publication: October 2021
Uploaded to Knowledge Centre: 8 November 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN regional commissions, in cooperation with other partners in the UN Road Safety Collaboration, have developed a Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030), which was published at the same time as the decade of action was officially launched (28 Oct 2021).

WHO says globally more than 3,500 people die every day on the roads, which amounts to nearly 1.3 million preventable deaths and an estimated 50 million injuries each year – making road deaths the leading killer of children and young people worldwide.

As things stand, road collisions are set to cause a further estimated 13 million deaths and 500 million injuries during the next decade, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. WHO describes these as ‘unacceptable numbers, both in absolute and relative terms’.

The Global Plan describes the actions required to achieve the 50% target, including: accelerated action to make walking, cycling and using public transport safe, as they are also healthier and greener modes of transport; ensuring safe roads, vehicles and behaviours; and guaranteeing timely and effective emergency care.

The Plan outlines recommended actions drawn from proven and effective interventions, as well as best practices for preventing road trauma. WHO says it is intended to be used as a blueprint to inform and inspire national and local plans that are tailored to local contexts, available resources and capacity.

It is aimed at senior policy-makers and other stakeholders who can influence road safety including civil society, academia, the private sector and community and youth leaders.

Access the Plan via the WHO website:

https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/safety-and-mobility/decade-of-action-for-road-safety-2021-2030