The U.S. Embassy in partnership with Save the Nation Association commemorated the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims at Menelik II Hospital on November 20, 2017. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is observed in November each year and this day is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed or injured in road crashes and their families and communities, as well as to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who daily deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury. Menelik II Hospital treats numerous victims of traffic accidents every year.
U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs, David Kennedy was joined by Federal Police Deputy Inspector Dereje Gebremariam and representatives of the Student Traffic Safety Monitors, who received training in traffic safety through a partnership between the U.S. Embassy.
During the event, Mr. Kennedy highlighted the U.S. Embassy’s efforts to reduce road traffic accidents by supporting road safety training programs for elementary school students helping to install proper road signs. He also praised the services of first responders including traffic police, emergency medics, hospitals, and law enforcement bodies, while encouraging the development of a more coordinated system to tackle the growing challenge.
Dr. Shimelis, Medical Director of Menelik II Hospital added that road traffic accidents consume significant resources of the emergency unit of the hospital. He emphasized the need for collaboration among concerned stakeholders to provide the hospital with necessary equipment to treat the ever growing number of traffic accident victims and reduce the risk of permanent injuries.
Deputy Inspector Dereje stressed that the government needs the combined efforts of all stakeholders working together to create safe roads in Addis Ababa and throughout the country. Over 20,000 students from 15 Addis Ababa elementary schools participated in the road traffic accident awareness campaign and 75 Student Traffic Safety Monitors are serving their communities since the launch of efforts to improve traffic safety in 2013.
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