WHO today called on Member States
in the South-East Asia Region to strengthen action to prevent road traffic
deaths and injuries and advance towards the global target of reducing them by
at least 50% by 2030.
In 2021, an estimated 1.19 million
people died on roads worldwide, including around 330 000 in the WHO South-East
Asia Region – 28% of the global total. Road traffic injuries are the leading
cause of death among children and young people aged 5–29 years. Yet between
2010 and 2021, estimated road traffic deaths fell by just 2% in the Region,
compared with 5% globally.
“Road traffic deaths and injuries
have a profound impact on individuals, families and communities. Many can be
prevented through evidence-based measures, supported by strong leadership,
investment and accountability,” said Dr Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge, WHO
South-East Asia Region, opening the Regional Meeting on Road Safety: Towards
Safer Mobility in the South-East Asia Region.
The three-day meeting brings
together representatives of health and transport ministries, national road
safety lead agencies, traffic police, experts, United Nations and development
partners, non-governmental organizations and youth representatives. It follows
the July 2026 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road
Safety, which reaffirmed the 2030 target and called for stronger leadership,
better data, safer roads and vehicles, improved post-crash response, adequate
financing and action across sectors.
"This meeting provides an
opportunity for countries to agree on clear priorities, responsibilities and
timelines, and strengthen mechanisms to monitor progress. Achieving the 2030
target will depend on translating commitments into sustained action,” Dr Buddha
said.
Riders of powered two- and
three-wheelers account for 46% of reported road traffic deaths in the Region.
Together with pedestrians and cyclists, they account for two-thirds of all
reported deaths, highlighting the need to prioritize the safety of vulnerable
road users.
Achieving safer mobility requires a
system that protects everyone who uses the road. This means designing safer
roads and vehicles, managing speeds effectively, strengthening legislation and
enforcement, improving access to public transport, and creating safer
infrastructure for walking and cycling.
“A child walking to school, a
person with a disability crossing a street, and a motorcyclist travelling to
work all need safer roads. Safety must be considered in the design of roads,
vehicles and transport systems to better protect everyone who uses them,” Dr
Buddha said.
The meeting will deliberate on
strengthening national road safety lead agencies; clarifying responsibilities
across health, transport, police, infrastructure and regulatory bodies;
harmonizing health, police and transport data; strengthening evidence-based
laws and their implementation; securing sustainable domestic financing; and
improving emergency, trauma and rehabilitation services after a crash.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility that requires clear accountability. Countries need lead agencies with the authority and resources to coordinate action, reliable data to guide decisions, and sustainable financing to implement effective measures. Investing in road safety also supports health, education, livelihoods, equity and sustainable development,” Dr Buddha said.
The meeting will focus on translating regional and global commitments into joint country action plans, with priorities for strengthening leadership and accountability, improving the safety of roads and vehicles, protecting pedestrians, cyclists and users of two- and three-wheelers, using reliable data to guide investment, and ensuring timely, quality emergency care after a crash.
“Everyone should be able to travel to school, work and other daily activities as safely as possible. Let us turn our commitments into practical action and maintain that effort over time to make roads safer for everyone,” Dr Buddha said.