Brazzaville/Nairobi — Road traffic death rates in the past decade have increased significantly in the African region, with almost 250 000 lives lost on the continent's roads in 2021 alone. Conversely, global rates fell by 5% during the same period, a new World Health Organization (WHO) report shows. Between 2010 and 2021, the region recorded a 17% increase in road-related fatalities, according to the WHO Status report on road safety 2023 for the African region - the latest update.
The region accounts for nearly one-fifth of all road deaths globally, despite being home to only 15% of the world's population, and 3% of its vehicles. The report attributes the rise to multiple factors, including inadequate road safety laws and standards. No country in the region currently has laws that meet the best practice standards for the five key road safety behavioural risk factors: speeding, drink driving, non-use of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts and child restraints.
"The findings of this report point to a serious public health concern for African countries, with hundreds of thousands of lives being lost unnecessarily. As WHO, we're committed to working hand in hand with countries to tackle this preventable threat and continue to fully support all efforts to make our roads safer for motorists and pedestrians alike," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. According to the report, males aged between 15 and 64 years are the main victims of road traffic crashes.
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