Global Forum on Trauma Care
Place: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Date: 28-29 October 2009
Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability globally, especially in developing countries, where over 90% of trauma deaths occur. It has been estimated that at least two million of the five million people who die from trauma each year could be saved by improvements in trauma care capabilities. The issue received notable attention in 2007, when the World Health Assembly adopted Resolution 60.22 on trauma and emergency care services. This Resolution recommended several concrete steps that would help to strengthen trauma care services globally.
In this context WHO is hosting the first Global Forum on Trauma Care, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 28-29 October 2009, with the support of the Ministry of Health of Brazil, the State Government of Rio de Janeiro, and the Bone and Joint Decade. The goal of this Forum is to draw greater attention to the affordable and sustainable improvements in trauma care services which could be applied globally. Participants will be tasked to:
- Agree on a set of strategies and messages around which to advocate in the future
- Develop an agenda for action for the next decade
- Issue a consensus statement summarizing the decisions reached
- Expand upon the already established global network for advocacy
Forum participants will include representatives of societies of professionals and administrators who deal with trauma, ministry of health planners whose portfolios include trauma, and other interested stakeholders.