The causes of death are known, actions must be taken to prevent them

External causes of death in Latvia are still a serious public health challenge – in eight years, they accounted for approximately six percent of all deaths in the country. From 2018 to 2022, more than 5,800 people died due to suicides, traffic accidents, severe injuries, drowning and other external causes of death.

This was found in the informative report, which was accepted by the government at this week’s meeting. The report also states that in the period until 2027, the State Chancellery, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, other ministries, municipalities and non-governmental organizations, is aware of the latest trends and the most effective solutions to help all involved parties coordinate efforts in reducing mortality caused by external causes of death. A working group will be formed for this purpose.

Also other data

The development of the study was coordinated by the State Chancellery, and it was submitted to the government for acceptance by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (JV), not by any of the ministries. The preparation of such a document is foreseen by the declaration of the government led by E. Silina, which promises to promote “society’s understanding and responsibility for their own safety, the obligation to take care of safety at home, in society and in mutual contact, including safety in road traffic, occupational safety measures, both at the national and individual level , preventing accidents and maintaining a safe environment». The extreme manifestation of insecurity is the extinction of human life, therefore the government’s action plan provides that the State Chancellery submits an informative report to the Cabinet of Ministers on measures to reduce mortality due to external causes of death (ECD).