South Africa Burns Awareness Week 2025: Protect, Prevent, Heal

National Burns Awareness Week in South Africa takes place from 5 to 9 May 2025, shining a spotlight on one of the most painful, yet preventable types of injury—burns. Whether caused by open flames, hot liquids, chemicals, or electricity, burn injuries affect thousands of people across the country each year, with children and vulnerable communities often being the most at risk.

This national campaign aims to raise awareness, promote burn prevention, and improve access to first aid knowledge and specialised care. It’s not just a health week—it’s a life-saving mission that empowers South Africans with the information and tools they need to protect themselves and others.

Why Burns Awareness Matters in South Africa

Burn injuries remain a major public health issue in South Africa. According to statistics from the South African Burn Society, over 3,000 children are hospitalised annually due to severe burns, many of which are preventable. In informal settlements, where open fires, paraffin stoves, and faulty electrical connections are common, the risk increases dramatically.

National Burns Awareness Week provides a chance to:

• Educate the public on how to prevent burns at home, in the workplace, and in public spaces.
• Teach essential burn first aid—what you do in the first few minutes can make all the difference.
• Support survivors by raising awareness around burn rehabilitation and mental health after trauma.
• Advocate for better safety regulations and community resources.

The Focus of the South Africa Burns Awareness Week 2025 Campaign

Each year, Burns Awareness Week is themed to address the most pressing concerns in burn prevention and care. The following areas are key focus points: 

• “Hot Liquids Burn Like Fire” – a continued campaign highlighting the risks of hot drinks and water around young children.
• Home safety education – how to make kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms safer.
• Burn first aid training – encouraging schools, caregivers, and community leaders to learn basic first aid.
• Support for burn survivors – promoting access to medical, emotional, and social rehabilitation services.

Organisations like the Children’s Burns Trust, South African Burn Society, and local clinics will likely run outreach programmes, host webinars, distribute educational resources, and offer free first aid workshops throughout the week.

Key Burn Prevention Tips for Every Home

A few simple precautions can go a long way in reducing the risk of burns, especially for children and the elderly:

• Turn pot handles inward on the stove to avoid accidental spills.
• Keep hot drinks and kettles out of children’s reach.
• Avoid using paraffin stoves or open flames in enclosed spaces.
• Install working smoke detectors and have a fire escape plan.
• Never leave young children unattended near hot water or cooking areas.

What to Do if a Burn Happens

Knowing what to do in the first few moments after a burn can greatly improve outcomes. Here’s a basic guide:

• Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water for 20 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or toothpaste.
• Remove any clothing or jewellery near the burn, unless stuck to the skin.
• Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth.
• Seek medical attention for anything more than a minor superficial burn.

For chemical or electrical burns, or if a burn affects the face, hands, feet, or genitals, get emergency help immediately.

ALSO READ: Winter burns: how to prevent them and treat them

FAQs

Who is most at risk for burns in South Africa?

Young children, elderly individuals, and people living in informal settlements or low-income households face the highest risk due to unsafe heating and cooking methods.

Can all burns be treated at home?

No. While minor burns can be treated at home, deeper burns or those covering large areas require medical care. It’s always best to err on the side of caution.

What should I do in a burn emergency?

Cool the burn with running water for 20 minutes, cover it with a clean dressing, and seek medical help if needed. Do not apply home remedies like ice, butter, or toothpaste.

How can I get involved in Burns Awareness Week?

You can share educational content, attend a local first aid workshop, donate to burn care charities, or simply talk to your family and friends about burn prevention.

Every South African Has a Role to Play

National Burns Awareness Week 2025 is more than just a public health campaign—it’s a national call to action. With greater awareness, education, and community effort, many burn injuries can be prevented or treated more effectively, saving lives and reducing long-term suffering.

Let’s use this week to empower ourselves and others. Learn the basics of burn prevention, share life-saving information, and support burn survivors in your community. Because safety starts at home—and awareness is the first step towards change.

References:

• South African Burn Society
• Children’s Burns Trust – Burn Safety & First Aid
• World Health Organization – Burns Factsheet
• Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital – Burn Service
• National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)