On Tuesday 26 November, the Cabinet of Ministers reviewed an information report on reducing mortality caused by external causes of death in Latvia. Particular attention is devoted to groups that are more exposed to external risks to health and life. The report highlights that the involvement of society as a whole - state and local authorities, non-governmental organisations and citizens themselves - has a key role to play in reducing mortality. The Government points out that everyone's participation is essential to build a safe and healthy society.
According to the Declaration of the Government headed by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa: “The people of Latvia are the greatest asset of our country.” Working to raise public awareness of safety in everyday interactions and in road traffic, as well as workplaces and households, is the government's long-term goal.
External causes of death in Latvia remain a serious challenge to public health – they accounted for about 6% of all deaths in the country over the course of eight years. From 2018 to 2022, more than 5,800 people died from suicides, traffic accidents, severe injuries, drowning, and other external causes of death. The report points out that men of working age are particularly exposed to these external risks and that alcohol consumption, which has been found in all age groups, in many cases is a major risk factor and plays a significant role in exacerbating these risks.
During five years, the most frequent such deaths were exactly due to suicide – a total of around 1,360 cases, 83% of which were men. Statistically, the next most common cause of death is falls, which pose a particular threat to the elderly and also occur in the work environment. The third large category of external causes of death is traffic accidents. Other significant risks, such as poisoning (mainly due to alcohol or other substances), drowning, fire accidents, freezing, and violence, also account for a significant proportion of deaths and require a systematic approach to their prevention.
Many Latvian institutions and organizations are actively working to ensure public safety through preventive measures, and educating the population on eliminating external causes of death. For example, the Swimming Federation of Latvia and the association “Swim Safely” organize campaigns and publish reports to promote safety on the water and reduce the risk of drowning. Likewise, the State Fire and Rescue Service organizes information campaigns such as “Don't Burn Your Land”, “Fire Safety in Housing” and “Senior Safety Month”, educating the public about fire safety. This and many other organisations, through their active work, emphasise that promoting safety is a joint task – it is also important for the citizens themselves to take care of their own safety and to act responsibly daily.
This information report serves as an essential resource, providing an overview of the progress made by the state and local governments, the resources available and the recommendations made by the authorities to build a safer and healthier society. The report also shows that in the period up to 2027, the State Chancellery, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, other ministries, local governments and non-governmental organisations, will identify the latest trends and the most effective solutions to help all stakeholders coordinate their efforts to reduce mortality from external causes.
In addition, the State Chancellery will receive data and analysis from the Ministry of Health on the latest trends related to mortality from external causes of death in the autumn each year, in order to adapt responses to current risks. It is also planned to set up a working group to examine the impact of mental health, alcohol and other addictive substances, as well as to address specific risks such as reducing drowning, falls and hypothermia, and the high male mortality rate.
Whilst the government and authorities are working to reduce the external risks for mortality, individual responsibility for safety and healthy lifestyles is essential. We call on everyone to pay due attention to safety in everyday life, by ensuring a safe environment at home, at work, when interacting with others and in society as a whole. Only our joint efforts can make Latvia a safe place for its citizens.