Dhaka, July 25 -- World Health Organization (WHO) has called for accelerated action to prevent drowning in Bangladesh, warning that around 9,600 people die from drowning in the country each year despite the availability of proven, life-saving interventions.

For children aged 1-4 years, drowning is the leading cause of death, with thousands of children, particularly those living in rural and low-income communities, losing their lives each year in incidents that are largely preventable.

Most drowning deaths among children under 5 occur within 20 metres of the home, mainly in ponds, ditches and water containers.

Every year on July 25, the world marks World Drowning Prevention Day to raise awareness that drowning deaths are preventable and...