The Asia Injury Prevention Foundation on November 28 in cooperation with the Traffic Safety Committee and the Department of Education and Training in Thái Nguyên Province organised a virtual helmet handover ceremony for students. Photo courtesy of AIP Foundation

HCM CITY --  Non-profit organization Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation is carrying out Phase III of its Safety Delivered programme in Thái Nguyên Province and HCM City to reduce road crash injuries and fatalities among children and vulnerable road users through helmet distribution and education, combined with advocacy and awareness initiatives that target youth, community members, civil society, and governments to address high-risk road behaviours.

In cooperation with the Traffic Safety Committee and the Department of Education and Training in Thái Nguyên Province and HCM City, AIP Foundation plans to present 4,900 helmets to students in Phase III in 2021-2022.

The helmet handover ceremony for students was organised online on November 28 in Thái Nguyên Province. The other handover in HCM City will be held on December 12.

The helmet handover ceremonies promote community awareness about the life-saving importance of child helmet use.

In Phase III of the Safety Delivered programme supported by The UPS Foundation, 50 per cent of students taking part in the program are from underrepresented communities. These children often lack access to safe and sustainable commutes. The helmets make a life-saving difference for vulnerable children on their way to and from school.

On their daily commute to get an education, many children are at risk. Road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years globally.

In Việt Nam, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated that more than 6,200 children and youths aged 5-29 were killed in road crashes in 2019.

This represents a public health crisis that disproportionately affects young people most. It highlights the urgent need for preventive action. Helmets are a uniquely affordable and effective protection against head injuries on the road. Wearing a quality helmet can reduce the risk of death by 42 per cent and the risk of serious brain injury by 69 per cent.

Russell Reed, Managing Director UPS Vietnam, said: “Everyone deserves the right to road safety education and equal access to a safe journey to and from school or work and we’re proud to support the inspirational efforts made by the AIP Foundation to ensure these opportunities are reaching as many people as possible.”

Trịnh Thu Hà, representative of National Traffic Safety Committee, said:  “Safety Delivered is a practical and truly effective program that helps increase child helmet use when travelling on motorcycles. The program also educates them about the law, which can build their awareness and safe behaviour. Safety Delivered has shown wonderful care toward the young generation.” VNS