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How a new initiative aims to reduce drowning in Bangladesh

Drowning is the leading cause of child mortality in Bangladesh, responsible for nearly half of the deaths of one to four year-olds. Now an initiative to reduce drowning is taking place in the Barisal Division of Bangladesh, which has the highest drowning rates in the country. The Bangladesh’s Centre for Injury Prevention and Research is providing swimming lessons and community crèches, known locally as anchals, where young children can play supervised during the day.

Dr Aminur Rahman, the director of Bangladesh’s International Drowning Research Centre, explains how the project is already having a major impact.

(Image: Children play in a river in Bangladesh, Credit: Getty Images.)

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3 minutes