The most recent Sivigila report shows a slight decrease compared to 2024.
The health authorities of the department of Tolima have presented a updated balance sheet about people burned with gunpowder during the December celebrations. In total, they have registered 27 injuredamong them six minors of 7, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 years old.
According to the report of the SIVIGILA epidemiological surveillance systemhave registered fewer cases than in 2024. However, the irresponsible use of these artifacts remains a major concern.
Katherine Rengifo, departmental health secretaryrevealed that of the 27 cases, six correspond to minors under 18 years of age. Several of the people with burns remain hospitalized due to the severity of your injuries.
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“During the Christmas festivitiestwo minors were burned with gunpowder, one 14 and another of 16 years. As a health authority, we make a called to avoid the use of these devicesespecially by minors. We insistently remember that the use of gunpowder is prohibitedas well as its consumption together with alcohol“said the official.
The reported cases are distributed in the following municipalities:
Ibagué: 12 cases
Ash: 2 cases
Rovira: 2 cases
The Espinal: 2 cases
Herveo, Lebanon, Saint Anthony, Planed, Ortega, Rioblanco, I attack, San Sebastian de Mariquita and Ambalema: one case for each municipality.
Level nationalare reported 664 cases of people injured by gunpowder during the season 2025–2026compared to 478 cases in the period 2024–2025.
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The secretary assured that the surveillance, prevention and awareness actions within the framework of the strategy “More tradition, less gunpowder”with the aim of reduce injuries to zero at the end of the year.
“We see how our minors are being affected, most of the time without being the ones who buy the devices, but rather they are victims of someone irresponsible that launches some pyrotechnic element, causing them physical and psychological injuries and sequelae”, he stated.
Finally, the Departmental Government makes a Call to the people of Tolima to avoid the use of gunpowderprotecting the life and integrity of children and adolescentsand celebrate the festivities in a way responsible.
Source: Integrated Information System
