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The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the urgent need for Ghana and other African nations to adopt comprehensive policies aimed at reducing road traffic accidents. The goal is to cut the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities by 50% by 2030, in line with Target 3.6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WHO advocates for policies that foster sustainable transportation systems, enhance legislative road safety frameworks, invest in data management, improve post-crash responses, and conduct research addressing Africa’s unique challenges. The organization also stressed that these measures must address several contributing factors to road crashes, such as weak enforcement of traffic laws, poor road conditions, speeding, drunk driving, and insufficient safety education.
This call to action was part of the WHO’s 2023 status report on road safety in Africa, released in Nairobi, Kenya, last Tuesday.
The report highlighted that Africa is now a major hotspot for road traffic deaths, placing significant strain on the continent’s public health systems and jeopardizing the achievement of SDG 3.6. Despite having only 15% of the global population and 3% of the world’s vehicles, Africa accounts for 20% of global road crash deaths.
Furthermore, the report revealed a troubling increase in road traffic death rates over the past decade. In 2021 alone, nearly 250,000 lives were lost on African roads. From 2010 to 2021, road traffic deaths in Africa rose by 17%, while global rates decreased by 5%. The report also noted that men aged 15 to 64 are the most affected, with motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians being particularly vulnerable.
Key issues contributing to the rising death toll include inadequate road safety laws and standards. The report noted that no African country has laws meeting best practice standards for critical road safety factors such as speeding, drink driving, helmet use, seatbelt use, and child restraints. It also pointed to a lack of investment in alternative transportation modes like cycling and walking, with only 13% of countries having national strategies to promote these modes.
Additionally, post-crash care services in the region are often insufficient. Fewer than one-third of countries provide recommended levels of pre-hospital care, emergency care, and rehabilitation services.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the report’s findings as a severe public health issue for the continent. “As WHO, we’re committed to working hand in hand with countries to tackle this preventable threat and support all efforts to make our roads safer for both motorists and pedestrians,” he said.
Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO representative in Kenya, emphasized that reducing road accidents in Africa requires revamping transport infrastructure, retraining motorists, and promoting comprehensive safety education for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
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