A global plan for burn prevention and care.

Each year more than 300 000 people die from fire-related burn injuries. Millions more suffer from burn-related disabilities and disfigurements which have psychological, social and economic effects on both the survivors and their families. The burden of burn injury is one that falls predominantly on the world’s poor: 95% of fire-related burn deaths occur in lowand middle-income countries (LMICs). Not only are burn deaths and injuries more common in people of lower socioeconomic status, but the survivors find their pre-injury poverty levels worsen after recovery. Differences in burn mortality rates vary across different age groups. For example, fire-related burns are the sixth leading cause of death among 5–14 year olds in LMICs. Survivors develop burn wound contractures and other physical impairments that limit function, lead to handicaps and reduce their chance of leading economically productive lives. Additionally these disfigurements often result in social stigma and restriction in their participation in society.