Vital strategies intensifies efforts to curb Africa’s road safety crisis

ADDIS ABABA – Vital Strategies, a leading global public health organization, has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the growing road safety crisis across Africa through evidence-based interventions, data-driven strategies, and broad public awareness campaigns.

Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, the Africa Region Road Safety Program Technical Advisor Asmeret Nigus, revealed that the organization is working through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety to support over 50 cities across the continent in reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities.

“We are providing comprehensive support to traffic management agencies in countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. Our goal is to help local authorities identify high-risk areas, implement life-saving interventions, and raise public awareness,” Asmeret explained.

In Ethiopia, Vital Strategies collaborates with the Addis Ababa Traffic Management Agency and the Addis Ababa Police Commission to strengthen road safety data collection and analysis systems. These efforts are key to identifying danger zones and informing targeted policy actions.

“Through enhanced surveillance and data-driven planning, we can pinpoint hazardous road segments and implement preventive measures,” she added.

The organization also supports mass media campaigns aimed at educating the public on traffic rules and safe driving behavior. In partnership with local journalists, Vital Strategies is working to improve the quality and reach of road safety reporting.

“Our media campaigns have been instrumental in raising awareness, especially about drink driving, which we are seeing a gradual decline in as a result,” said Asmeret .

Vital Strategies plays a central role in coordinating efforts among governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations to implement proven solutions that save lives. Its multi-sectoral approach is contributing to a meaningful reduction in traffic-related injuries and deaths in Addis Ababa and beyond.

As Africa’s cities continue to grow and motorization rises, road safety has become a critical public health challenge. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven campaigns, Vital Strategies is helping to pave the way toward safer streets for all.

BY MISGANAW ASNAKE

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2025

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