The Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit Attends the 12th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion

On September 18-21, 2016, 11 JH-IIRU faculty and staff members traveled to Tampere, Finland to attend the 12th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (Safety 2016). The conference brought together more than 1,000 researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and advocates in the field of injury prevention and safety from more than 100 countries.

The theme of the conference "From research to practice," encouraged the use of research data to help in the implementation of practical solutions that will increase safety and reduce injuries. Over 1,300 abstracts were submitted - traffic safety and child safety being the top themes.

The key outcome of the 12th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion was the Tampere Declaration. The Declaration identified common aims and principles on injury and violence prevention reached by participants and the representatives of WHO at the conference during the structured consultation process. 

At the conference, JH-IIRU presented on a wide range of topics including trauma care, drowning, injury prevention and more. In total, JH-IIRU participated in 6 special sessions, 7 pitch presentations, 11 oral presentations and 25 posters. In addition to presentations, JH-IIRU also had an exhibition booth.

JH-IIRU director, Dr. Adnan Hyder served as a plenary speaker for the session, “From research to implementation – building a bridge between science and practice.” He discussed how to turn evidence into practice and policy. Dr. Hyder also served as a moderator for several sessions including: “Developing and evaluating trauma care systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): Experiences in Africa,” “Child and adolescent injuries in the Arab Gulf: Understanding the burden and risk factors” and “Research to practice: The global road safety program.”

In addition, JH-IIRU presented on several projects with collaborators. Dr. Abdul Bachani, associate director of JH-IIRU, presented on the Health, Economic and Long-term Social Impact of Injuries (HEALS) Study, Dr. Olakunle Alonge presented on the Saving of Lives from Drowning (SoLid) project in Bangladesh, Dr. Amber Mehmood presented on the Mhealth trauma registry in Oman, Dr. Kate Allen presented on child restraint use in the state of Qatar and Dr. Isaac Botchey presented on the efforts to improve trauma care in Kenya.

On the final day of the conference, it was announced that the 13^th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (Safety 2018), will be held November 5-7, 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Adnan Hyder is the Secretary of the ‘International Organization Committee’ of the conferences (chaired by Dr. Etienne Krug of WHO) and is now busy helping to prepare for Safety 2018.

To learn more about the conference, please click here.