By Joyce Ojanji and Isabella Njeri
Even though Africa accounts for only three percent of the global vehicle fleet, nearly 250,000 people died from road traffic injuries in 2021. This represents 19% of the worldwide burden of deaths.
Since 2010, there has been a 17% increase in road traffic fatalities across the 47 countries of the WHO African Region, making it the only WHO region to experience such a rise.
Still, the estimated number of fatalities in the region has increased by 17% since 2010.
These are some of the findings of the World Health Organization (WHO) report launched today in Nairobi Kenya titled Status of Road Safety in the WHO African region. It outlines the challenges African countries face and calls for Member States to take urgent action.
Speaking during the launch, the WHO representative to Kenya, Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo noted that while some progress has been made many countries in the Region still face challenges in implementing effective road safety measures. These include weak national policies inadequate legislative frameworks, and limited promotion of multimodal transport hindering different countries’ efforts.
“Our transport systems open the world to us, but they come with a tragic price. Road crashes are the leading killer of children and youth, and they typically strike during our most productive years, causing huge health, social and economic harm throughout society,” he said.
He noted that nine In 10 of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries and fatalities in these countries are disproportionately higher when set against the number of vehicles and roads they have. The risk of death is three times higher in low-income than high-income yet low-income countries have just one percent of the world’s motor vehicles.
As such, Dr. Diallo called for improving road infrastructure, enhancing data collection systems and ensuring equitable access to post-crash care and rapid increase in vehicle registration, particularly of used vehicles as essential components of comprehensive road safety strategy.
However, amidst these sobering statistics, the report also showcases promising initiatives and policy frameworks that are making a difference. Kenya was singled out for its proactive approach to road safety. The establishment of the National Transport and Safety Authority and the recent launch of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2030 were cited as significant steps forward.
“Kenya’s dedication to improving road infrastructure, enhancing vehicle safety standards, and promoting safer road user behaviors are steps in the right direction,” Dr. Diallo noted. These efforts serve as a model for other African nations looking to implement effective road safety measures.
Mary Muriuki, Principal Secretary, Kenya Ministry of Health [MoH] applauded the African regional global road safety status report which provides policymakers, the public, researchers and development partners with an updated comprehensive evidence-based assessment of the continent’s performance in road safety.
She noted that with strong and sustained multisectoral engagement, the sustainable development goal (SDG) target of halving the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents can be advanced. Strategies and policies that are designed using evidence have proven to be not only impactful but also sustainable.
Key recommendations in the report include strengthening national policies and legislative frameworks, promoting multimodal transport systems to reduce reliance on high-risk modes of transportation, and improving road infrastructure with a focus on safety features.
The report also stresses the need for enhanced data collection systems to inform evidence-based interventions, ensuring equitable access to post-crash care, and implementing stronger regulations for vehicle safety, particularly for used vehicles.
