Journée d’information à Alger sur l’impact des accidents de la route sur la santé publique durant le Ramadhan
Summary of the Information and Awareness Day on Road Accidents during Ramadan
On a recent Monday in Algiers, the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) hosted an informative and awareness-raising event dedicated to the significant public health impacts of road accidents during the month of Ramadan. This initiative underscores the urgent need to transform driving behaviors to prevent fatal incidents on the roads.
In his opening address, Professor Abderrezak Bouamra, the INSP’s Director General, emphasized that the primary objective of this gathering was to highlight the critical importance of road accident prevention. He called on citizens to adopt safer driving habits during Ramadan, especially during the rush before Iftar (the evening meal to break the fast), where impatience can lead to increased speeding and risk on the roads. Bouamra noted a concerning rise in road accidents during this holy month, with a significant number resulting in severe injuries requiring intensive medical care, underscoring the pressing need for greater preventive measures and awareness.
He also pointed out the pivotal role that media can play in educating the public about safe driving norms, particularly in the critical moments leading up to the end of the fast. Additionally, he discussed the development of a road accident surveillance system, which is currently being formulated and is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Providing statistical context to the discussion, Karim Benfahsi, the information and communication officer at the General Directorate of Civil Protection, reported alarming figures since the start of Ramadan. He mentioned that there had been 2,038 road accidents nationwide, resulting in 84 fatalities and 2,823 injuries. This data serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on the roads and the urgent call for citizens to exercise caution and vigilance to avert potential tragedies.
Through events like this, both the INSP and Civil Protection are striving to cultivate safer driving habits in the community, particularly during a time when distractions, hurry, and fatigue can lead to avoidable incidents. The awareness campaign aims to engage individuals and encourage responsibility at the wheel, ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan is honored not only through fasting but also through safe practices that preserve life and well-being.
