By Prof. Nibedita S. Ray-Bennett and Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita
The Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN) invites campaigners, practitioners, researchers, and community leaders around the world to mark the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths (IAD4AD) on 12 March 2026, or on any date throughout March that best suits your local context.
IAD4AD is a global public engagement campaign dedicated to raising visibility of indirect disaster deaths and missing persons, lives lost not only during a hazard event, but in the days, weeks, and months that follow due to systemic gaps, inequities, and preventable failures. These losses are too often overlooked, underreported, and uncounted. Together, we can change that.
Why This Campaign Matters Now
Disasters are intensifying across the world. Climate change is accelerating the frequency and severity of extreme events, heatwaves, floods, cyclones, wildfires, placing millions at heightened risk. These hazards are no longer distant possibilities; they are shaping the health, well-being, and survival of communities today.
By participating in IAD4AD, you join a global movement calling for people-centred disaster risk governance, resilient health and disaster management systems, stronger accountability for avoidable disaster deaths, and greater visibility for missing persons and indirect mortality.
Celebrating Our Collective Impact
In just two years, IAD4AD has grown into a vibrant, global campaign. In 2025, activities took place in 20+ countries through 40+ events, including lighting up the Attenborough Tower at the University of Leicester, launching the Ahmedabad Case Station for Avoidable Deaths from Extreme Heat at the All India Disaster Management Institute, field visits, tree plantations, workshops, capacity-building seminars, and global social media campaigns (among other activities).
Building on this momentum, ADN has developed a context-specific Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework to help campaigners plan, measure, and strengthen impact. This living document will continue to evolve as the campaign grows.
How to Take Part in IAD4AD 2026
1. Register your event by emailing:
contact@avoidable-deaths.net
2. Prepare using the global FAQ:
iad4ad.avoidable-deaths.net/frequently-asked-questions/
3. Explore the Planning Hub on the campaign website:
iad4ad.avoidable-deaths.net/planning-activities/
4. Use the MEL Framework to evaluate your event:
iad4ad.avoidable-deaths.net/assets/
5. Download cultural assets including logos, posters, and media kits:
iad4ad.avoidable-deaths.net/assets/
6. Join the weekly drop-in session on Thursdays at 14:00 GMT.
To receive this link please drop us an email:
contact@avoidable-deaths.net
Together, We Can Save Lives
We look forward to seeing how your region innovates, mobilises, and inspires others this March. By standing together, we can build a world where no one dies from a disaster that could have been avoided.
Author’s Short Bio
Professor Nibedita S. Ray-Bennett, Founding President and Convenor, Avoidable Deaths Network
Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita, Founding President, Avoidable Deaths Network