Enhancing Drowning Prevention Efforts in Zambia: A Comprehensive Assessment
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Abstract
Aim This study examines the drowning prevention landscape in Zambia, identifying challenges, existing initiatives, and opportunities for improvement. Subject and Methods A convergent mixed methods approach integrated quantitative drowning case data from a WHO structured questionnaire with qualitative insights from structured and open ended responses. Data were collected in 2022 from 10 representatives across government, NGOs, community leadership, and public health expertise, consolidated via a stakeholder workshop. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to identify key themes, with findings integrated to assess convergence and divergence. Results Stakeholders identified males, children, youths, water related workers (e.g., fishers), and older adults as high risk groups, with inland water bodies (e.g., Zambezi River, Lake Bangweulu) as primary drowning locations during fishing, transportation, and water collection. Zambia Police reported 89 drowning deaths in 2022 (88.8% male, n=79; 11.2% female, n=10), primarily among individuals aged 30–49 years (n=50). Key barriers to drowning prevention include the absence of a national coordination mechanism, limited implementation of interventions (e.g., swim education, physical barriers), weak enforcement of boating safety laws, and fragmented data systems. National strategies lack specific targets, and no legislation mandates lifeguards or pool fencing. Conclusion A coordinated, multi sectoral approach involving capacity development, stakeholder partnerships, advocacy, and international support is critical to address these gaps and reduce drowning mortality in Zambia.
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Abstract
Aim This study examines the drowning prevention landscape in Zambia, identifying challenges, existing initiatives, and opportunities for improvement.
Subject and Methods A convergent mixed methods approach integrated quantitative drowning case data from a WHO structured questionnaire with qualitative insights from structured and open ended responses. Data were collected in 2022 from 10 representatives across government, NGOs, community leadership, and public health expertise, consolidated via a stakeholder workshop. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to identify key themes, with findings integrated to assess convergence and divergence.
Results
Stakeholders identified males, children, youths, water related workers (e.g., fishers), and older adults as high risk groups, with inland water bodies (e.g., Zambezi River, Lake Bangweulu) as primary drowning locations during fishing, transportation, and water collection. Zambia Police reported 89 drowning deaths in 2022 (88.8% male, n=79; 11.2% female, n=10), primarily among individuals aged 30–49 years (n=50). Key barriers to drowning prevention include the absence of a national coordination mechanism, limited implementation of interventions (e.g., swim education, physical barriers), weak enforcement of boating safety laws, and fragmented data systems. National strategies lack specific targets, and no legislation mandates lifeguards or pool fencing.
Conclusion
A coordinated, multi sectoral approach involving capacity development, stakeholder partnerships, advocacy, and international support is critical to address these gaps and reduce drowning mortality in Zambia.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
Funding Statement
This study did not receive any funding
Author Declarations
I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.
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I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.
Yes
I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).
Yes
I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.
Yes
Data Availability
The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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