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Injuries claim 4.4 million lives annually, accounting for 8% of global deaths. Among these, fall-related deaths have risen more rapidly than any other type of injury over the past two decades, resulting in over 684 000 deaths each year. This trend is driven by factors such as ageing populations, urbanisation, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles.
Falls are not just a health issue, they profoundly affect quality of life, productivity, and social well-being. In older adults, falls often mark the transition from active, independent living to a state of prolonged dependence or disability, with far-reaching impacts on families, caregivers, and communities. For working-age adults and children, injuries caused by falls can disrupt education, livelihoods, and social functioning, further exacerbating inequalities and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
The broader societal burden of falls and injuries extends beyond individuals to the health system and the economy, increasing healthcare expenditures and reducing collective productivity. The costs of care, rehabilitation, and lost income due to fall-related injuries strain public resources and private finances, underscoring the need for robust prevention strategies.
While fall-related injuries affect people of all age groups, older adults remain particularly vulnerable, with up to 42% of those over 70 experiencing falls annually. Falls are also a significant cause of death among individuals aged 5–29, accounting for 15% of all injury-related deaths in this age group. Beyond mortality, millions more experience non-fatal fall-related injuries, leading to long-term disabilities and extensive demands on healthcare systems and, caregivers, severely impacting individuals and families.
As part of the partnership, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, will support Member States by enhancing capacity building, data management, research, and prevention efforts. This collaboration will include health workforce training, conducting regional workshops, and advancing cutting-edge research to strengthen prevention, care, and data systems across the Region.
Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, emphasized, ”As a leading university medical center, Siriraj is deeply committed to fall injury prevention, education, and timely treatment, including performing hip surgery within 48 hours,“ Prof. Keerati Chareancholvanich, Head of Department Orthopaedic Surgery, at Siriraj Hospital, added “It is a great honor to collaborate with WHO to address the critical challenges of falls and injuries by driving innovation and building stronger healthcare capacities across the region.”
Preventing injuries is crucial not only to reduce the strain on health systems but also to unlock broader social and economic benefits. About 90% of injury-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Even within countries, economically disadvantaged groups face higher rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries with factors such as unsafe living and working conditions, limited prevention efforts, and inadequate trauma care contributing to this disparity.
WHO’s ‘Step Safely’ outlines evidence-based strategies to prevent falls across all age groups. Recently, the World Health Assembly recognizing the critical importance of addressing these challenges, prioritized integrated emergency, critical, and operative care, paving the way for developing a global strategy and action plan for 2026-2035.
Highlighting the importance of integrating trauma and injury prevention and management into efforts to achieve a safer, healthier, and more equitable future, the Regional Director said, “This requires a strong focus on developing human resources, generating robust evidence, and supporting countries to institutionalize effective prevention and management systems. The benefits of these actions extend beyond health, strengthening the resilience and productivity of entire communities.”
