This article in Think Global Health argues that the global health community, especially the WHO, has largely neglected firearm violence despite its massive toll: firearms have claimed an estimated 2.6 million lives over the last decade, with the US, Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, and Venezuela accounting for most deaths. It cites successful interventions in Australia, the UK, EU countries, South Africa, and Colombia, where targeted legislation, buybacks, and enforcement reduced homicides and suicides. Drawing on a new report by the Global Coalition for WHO Action on Gun Violence, the authors call for WHO leadership in setting a global agenda, generating evidence, supporting national policy, regulating firearm marketing, and monitoring existing treaties.
For the full article, published in Think Global Health, click here.