The importance of pediatric trauma prevention: The work of Criança Segura - Safe Kids Brazil

Abstract

Trauma is the leading cause of death in children and adolescents less than 14 years of age worldwide. Although there have been advances regarding treatment in the last decades, it is still complex to assemble well-trained teams and proper hospitals to care for traumatized children. The most effective vaccine and the less expensive tool to deal with such a burden is prevention. The aim of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Criança Segura - Safe Kids Brazil is to work with child and adolescent trauma prevention through three pillars: mobilization, communication, and public policy. Nationwide actions, campaigns, education material, events, research, and proposing laws resulted in a 53% decrease of trauma deaths in Brazil in a 20-year period. The strategy contributes to build the culture of prevention in Brazil with the involvement of every sector of society. Childhood trauma prevention is effective in decreasing trauma deaths. Criança Segura is now part of Children's Villages, an international organization that will be able to multiply the model through different countries. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Review article.

Keywords: Education; LMIC; Prevention; Trauma.