Taming the tools of violence

Author: Marsh, N.
Publication: J Public Health Policy
Topics: International Legislation and Policy Prevention Public Health Surveillance/Data Collection
Keywords: Africa Public Health Strategy Violence
Bibliographic information +

Governments tend to be reactive rather than proactive in working to reduce armed violence. Understanding that firearms may not cause violence but clearly increase its severity and lethality is important for designing prevention programs. Africa is disproportionately affected by firearm violence, yet very little mortality data from these countries exist. Several public health strategies show promise in reducing firearm violence, while some do not. Several international initiatives as well as regional agreements in Africa offer an opportunity for civil society (and thus the medical and public health community) to get involved in firearm violence reduction efforts.