#64 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Summary of IAD4AD 2026

Summary:

This podcast episode focuses on the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths 2026 global campaign aimed at reducing preventable deaths associated with disasters, public health failures, accidents, and other avoidable risks. The discussion reviews the campaign’s recent activities, including awareness events, educational initiatives, student engagement projects, and the launch or relaunch of country chapters in multiple locations. The speakers emphasize that “avoidable deaths” extend beyond traditional disasters to include issues such as drowning, road traffic incidents, snakebites, suicide, and failures in healthcare systems. They highlight the importance of involving local communities, students, public agencies, emergency responders, and universities in identifying risks and developing practical solutions. A recurring theme is the need to adapt the concept of avoidable deaths to different cultural and linguistic contexts so that local communities can better understand and address the risks they face.

The conversation also celebrates achievements from the campaign year, including a public “Hero Award” recognizing individuals who have taken action to prevent deaths in their communities, the publication of a youth-led magazine featuring stories from regions affected by climate and disaster risks, and activities that encouraged participants to identify preventable deaths reported in local newspapers. The speakers reflect on how these initiatives have empowered students and young people to become more engaged, analytical, and active in promoting safety and resilience. Overall, the episode highlights the value of public awareness, local leadership, education, and community participation in preventing deaths that might otherwise be accepted as inevitable.

Links:

• https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/
• https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/documents-and-publications/raising-awareness-23-avoidable-deaths

Guests:

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

Host:

• Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)

Music:

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