Burns

Burns are a significant global public health challenge, causing an estimated 180 000 deaths every year. According to the Global Health Estimates 2021, 16 959 persons are victims of burns in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Burns cause damage to the skin or tissues and are primarily caused by heat, but can also be caused by radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction, or contact with chemicals. The most common forms, known as thermal burns, are caused by hot liquids (scalds), hot solids (contact burns), or flames. Injuries to the respiratory system caused by smoke inhalation are also classified as burns. While high-income countries have successfully decreased their burn death rates, the vast majority of fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries. Most burns happen within the home environment, typically the kitchen, which disproportionately affects children and women.

The public health burden includes non-fatal injuries, which are a leading cause of long-term illness and disability globally. Survivors often face prolonged hospitalization, physical disfigurement, and emotional challenges, sometimes leading to subsequent social difficulties. Burns are a significant contributor to disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

There is a high disparity in risk globally: the rate of child deaths resulting from burns is over seven times higher in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. The financial strain is also substantial, both on families and health systems.

The risk from burns varies greatly between countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region based on income. Increased risks include living in low- and middle-income countries; occupations that increase exposure to fire; poverty, being female, children under the age of 5, overcrowding and lack of proper safety measures; placement of young girls in household roles such as cooking and care of small children; underlying medical conditions including epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy and physical and cognitive disabilities; alcohol abuse and smoking; easy access to chemicals used for assault; use of kerosene (paraffin) as a fuel source for non-electric domestic appliances; and inadequate safety measures for liquefied petroleum gas and electricity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) works with Member States and partners to pursue a comprehensive strategy to reduce the burden of burn injuries. This strategic approach focuses on strengthening operational capacity and refining clinical responses, especially during major incidents. WHO's work encompasses seven core components: enhancing public awareness; developing and enforcing effective policy; clearly identifying risk factors; setting research priorities; implementing effective prevention programmes; strengthening burn care; and reinforcing the capacity to deliver these services. This includes the WHO Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Initiative, which works to establish universal quality standards and recommendations for burns care during mass casualty incidents. To ensure preparedness, WHO recommends that Member States include specific provisions for managing potential mass burn incidents within their disaster plans. The creation and enhancement of specialized teams are encouraged to provide critical surge support and ensure timely, high-quality care when local health systems are overwhelmed.