#51 - ADN: Introducing the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths (IAD4AD)

Summary:

This episode explores the global initiative International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths (IAD4AD) and the work of the Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN), which aims to reduce preventable deaths linked to disasters and extreme events. Launched in 2023 in Japan, the campaign runs annually and is designed as a long-term effort, with activities taking place throughout March to allow global participation.

The discussion highlights ADN’s focus on indirect disaster-related deaths, such as those caused by heatwaves, snakebites, or gaps in healthcare, which are often overlooked in official records. The campaign is guided by three main goals: making these deaths more visible, understanding the systems and circumstances behind them, and reinforcing the message that disaster deaths are not inevitable.

Examples from several regions show how communities adapt the campaign locally, from school-based tsunami education to university research projects, student rallies, and outreach to vulnerable groups facing heat or environmental risks. Rather than prescribing specific actions, ADN encourages flexible, grassroots participation under the idea of “doing one thing” to raise awareness or reduce risk.

A central theme is public involvement. The episode stresses that ordinary people can contribute by questioning why deaths occur, learning from local experiences, and advocating for better preparedness and response systems. Looking ahead, the campaign aims to reach more countries and expand opportunities for engagement through events, educational materials, and coordinated action, ending with a call for listeners to help spread the message that many disaster-related deaths can be prevented.

Websites:

https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/

https://iad4ad.avoidable-deaths.net/

Guests:

• Prof. Nibedita Ray-Bennett (University of Leicester, United Kingdom)
• Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita (Kansai University, Japan)

Co-Hosts:

• Dr. Irene Petraroli (University of Twente, Netherlands)
• Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden)

Music:

“Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.