Content of the national action plan for injury prevention among children and youth

Three focus areas in the action plan

National action plan includes objectives and proposed measures in order to prevent unintentional and self-inflicted injuries. Proposed measures could be tapped in national, regional and local work. The action plan is extensive. All in all, over 200 actions are proposed, with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, particularly the importance of enforcement. The action plan addresses:

1. the main causes of unintentional and self-inflicted injuries,
2. the key settings of everyday lives , and
3. the systems and structures supporting injury prevention (such as national coordination and cooperation).

The main causes of health losses due to injuries

• Traffic injuries
• Falls and sports injuries
• Poisonings
• Drowning and water traffic injuries
• Suicides and self-harm

The key settings of everyday life

• Home
• Recreational and sports environments
• Mother and child health clinics
• Child daycare
• Schools and educational institutions
• Workplace
• Defence Forces and non-military service

The supporting systems and structures

• Coordination of activities and cooperation
• Surveillence systems and research
• Communication and training for professionals

The objectives and examples of proposed measures on these are to be find in the Providing a Safe Environment for Our Children and Young People – Finland’s National Action Plan for injury prevention among children and youth – Discussion Paper (pdf 402 kt)