The role of NGOs in child injury prevention: An organizational assessment of one network of NGOs

•Investments in injury prevention remain relatively low worldwide, and NGOs working in the field are facing constant challenges in securing sufficient resources to address the problem.•SKWW is a good model to learn from, and one that has experienced a strong momentum and growth over the last two decades.•Commitment of staff and volunteers, as well as establishing networks and linkages with key stakeholders in injury prevention globally are vital to the success of such NGOs.•Global NGOs working to address the burden of injuries worldwide ought to start by defining a clear and universal strategic goal, build on local successes, maximize their strengths, and create avenues for stronger country engagement.

Unintentional injuries are estimated to claim the lives of more than 875,000 children each year; millions more live with long-term consequences and permanent disabilities. The epidemiology of injuries has become clearer in the past decade. NGOs need to work in concert with each other to address the global burden of injuries by sharing information. Several NGOs have heeded this call, and the field has seen the emergence of global organizations aimed at highlighting the burden of injuries and streamlining injury prevention activities worldwide. Safe Kids Worldwide Inc. (SKWW) is a global network in 16 countries whose mission is to address the burden of injuries in children under 15 by harnessing the potential of local NGOs. An organizational assessment was conducted of SKWW which included structured organizational assessment, functional organizational mapping and contextual analysis that allowed for an in-depth examination of the strengths and challenges of SKWW's injury prevention approach. Over one year, primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed from headquarters and individual country offices. SKWW appears to be an effective model and has experienced a strong momentum and growth over the last two decades. Global NGOs that address the burden of injuries should start by defining a clear and universal strategic goal, build on local successes, maximize their strengths, and create avenues for stronger country engagement.