Dr. Gabriella Pall for the European Child Safety Alliance, EuroSafe Challenges and Recommendations for Child Safety in Europe Dr. Gabriella Pall for the European Child Safety Alliance, EuroSafe June 11, 2007 Vienna, Austria

In Europe, more children die of injuries than all other childhood diseases combined.

Proportion of burden attributable to environmental factors among European children 0-19 years of age Injury has the largest environmental disease burden for children compared to outdoor/indoor contaminants, water, sanitation and hygiene issues, or lead. WHO, 2004

The cost to society and families is high An estimated 10 billion euros was spent in 1999 to treat children 0 to 14 years in the European Union Death of a young child often has devastating effects on immediate family and can dismantle the family unit

What is killing our children? For every death it is estimated there are 160 hospital admissions, 2000 visits to accident and emergency departments and an untold number treated by general practitioners. WHO 1996-2000 national sources average

Not only is injury preventable but prevention is profitable! € 1 spent on smoke alarms saves € 69 € 1 spent on bicycle helmets saves € 29 € 1 spent on child safety seats saves € 32 € 1 spent on road safety saves € 3 € 1 spent on prevention counselling by paediatricians saves € 10 € 1 spent on poison control saves € 7 Adapted from: Centers for Disease Control, 2000

Selected effective policy measures to reduce childhood deaths and serious injuries in Europe Legend Legislation in place; varying implementation Note: smoke detector legislation applies for new buildings only Source: updated from Towner and Towner, 2004

If what we know about effective prevention strategies was applied by member states today researchers estimate that 90% of injuries could be prevented. Despite this no country in the European region has implemented all of the top 20 proven effective and recommended strategies to reduce child injury.

The Way Forward Adopt and enforce regulations, legislation and standards for proven prevention strategies at the EU and Member State levels. Improve surveillance to better measure the impact and burden of childhood injury and evaluate impact of prevention measures. Support and fund the development and implementation of National Child Safety Action Plans to prevent injuries and promote safety.

The end result will be a safer Europe. Not only for children, but their families, communities and society as a whole.