The day aims to raise awareness about the effects of trauma and the need for timely and effective medical intervention.
Registered Dietitian Omy Naidoo says that while medical care remains essential, proper nutrition plays an equally vital role in helping the body heal and regain strength after an injury.
“When we’re looking at it, it is essentially physical trauma, you could have a traumatic event, like an injury or a fall, and very often the recovery from that, in terms of your bones, muscles and functionality, requires good nutrition. Nutrition needs to fuel that recovery,” Naidoo explained.
He added that nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals are central to repairing damaged tissues and reducing inflammation, while hydration helps maintain circulation and supports the body’s natural healing processes.
Health professionals also point out that trauma recovery can be prolonged if the body lacks sufficient nutrients, particularly among patients who experience severe injuries or undergo surgery. In such cases, nutrition therapy is increasingly being recognised as a key component of rehabilitation.
World Trauma Day, observed annually on October 17, was first established to promote global awareness about the causes, treatment and prevention of trauma-related injuries, which remain a leading cause of disability and death worldwide.
According to the World Health Organisation, road accidents, falls, and violence account for a significant proportion of trauma cases each year, especially in low and middle-income countries where access to emergency care and rehabilitation services is often limited.
Naidoo emphasised that a holistic approach, combining medical treatment, physical therapy and nutrition, offers the best chance for full recovery. “It’s not just about treating the injury itself, but also giving the body what it needs to rebuild,” he said.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
