The "Safe Kids Day" launched in Vietnam with UNICEF's assistance
Ha Noi, Nov. 14 (VNA) -- The Nguyen Du Primary School of Ha Noi was the first school chosen as a model of the "Safe Kids Day" launched in Ha Noi on Nov. 13 under UNICEF's traffic safety programme.
The "Safe Kids Day", jointly organized by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Viet Nam, the Committee for Protection and Care of Children, and the U.S Embassy in Ha Noi, aims to promote child safety helmet use to prevent road fatalities and injuries.
Under the pilot programme, around 1,400 pupils of the school have been given safety helmets by UNICEF. Safety curricula will also be introduced at the school in order to improve children's appreciation of the importance of helmet use and other safety measures. The programme will be expanded to 14 other schools throughout Viet Nam next year.
The "Safe Kids Day" will also be launched in the northern port city of Hai Phong, the former imperial city of Hue, Da Nang central coastal city and Ho Chi Minh City.
According to UNICEF, at least 6,000 children between one and 16 years of age are killed every year in Viet Nam and an additional 30,000 children seriously injured in traffic accidents, making this one of the leading causes of death and injury for Vietnamese children. One-third of children hospitalized for traffic-related injuries incur brain damage or other permanent disabilities.
It is estimated that traffic accidents, drowning, poisoning, falls, electrocution and other hazards result in the death of approximately 50,000 Vietnamese children each year, and lead to the serious injury of an additional 250,000 children.--
