Injury surveillance: should it be a concern to developing countries?

J Public Health Policy. 1993 Autumn;14(3):355-9.

Abstract

Injuries have now become a recognizable public health problem in developing countries. However, no definite policies regarding their surveillance and control are yet available in most of these countries. This paper, using Ghana as a prototype, examines the need for policy and action which has been accentuated in recent times by public outcry. The paper also provides some recommendations to solve this problem: the urgent need to initiate programs such as needs assessment, the establishment of a surveillance system for injuries at various levels of health services, creation of public awareness and provision of health education, and the institution of simple first-aid measures. Specific policies regarding injuries from motor vehicle accidents and fires are also given.

MeSH terms

  • Developing Countries*
  • Ghana / epidemiology
  • Health Education
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • Population Surveillance*
  • Public Health*
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / prevention & control