Minister of Public Labor and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Dr. Fadhel Safar said on Sunday economic losses resulting from traffic accidents are swelling into large numbers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports.
WHO reports show traffic accidents form 1.5 to four percent of the gross national income of many countries, estimated to USD 600 billion, said the minister, in a statement, presented on his behalf by the Director General of Municipality Engineer Ahmed Al-Subeeh.
The latter was addressing a celebration of the International Day For Victims Of Traffic Accidents within the United Nations program -- held under the patronage of Minister of Interior on Sunday.
He clarified that countries of low and medium income post more than 90 percent of the total deaths of traffic accidents around the world, in addition to 30-86 percent of injuries.
Dr. Safar said this day adopted by the UN in 2005 is an opportunity to discuss the seriousness of this issue, and the facts to find ways to solve this problem.
He added, the challenge facing Kuwait is finding ways to balance between growth and development in the transport sector and the tragic accidents, in addition to the country's plan to transform into an international trade and financial center.
Dr. Safar clarified that the international experiments show that roads free of accidents play an important role in development and the growth of investment projects in the country.
Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Saleh Borgini said today that this celebration is aimed at expressing respect towards victims of traffic accidents and their families.
Dr. Saleh said that the official annual day for this occasion is set for the third Sunday of November every year by the UN General assembly, as the general assembly called upon members to implement recommendations and safety measures, to lessen the injuries and deaths caused by traffic accidents.
He added, traffic is a social threat in Kuwait, clarifying that it is and remains to be the main cause of traffic jams, therefore it set a new strategy for traffic and transport 2009/2019 within the framework of cooperation between Kuwait and the UN development program.
On the other hand, Minister of Health Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer said that the gathering on this occasion reflects our awareness and our responsibility towards preventing traffic accidents, and putting more efforts in saving victims, via providing high quality health care.
Dr. Al-Sayer added in a speech presented on his behalf by the Ministry of Health Undersecretary for technical affairs, that facing this problem requires cooperation among ministries, governmental institutes and civil institutes.
In addition to spreading awareness among drivers of various ages and nationalities on the importance of supporting the emergency and rescue system, to minimize injury complications.
He concluded, the ministry is proud of its accomplishments in the field of medical emergency department.- Kuna