The global burden of injuries is increasing, especially in developing regions. It is estimated that only one cause of injuries - road traffic injuries - were the tenth leading cause of loss of healthy life in the nineties. Moreover, injuries are predicted to be amongst the top three leading causes of burden by 2020. The goal of this study is to present the emergence of injuries as a major public health issue in the developing world and define the rationale for urgent action. The intention is to stimulate traditional thinking in international health to expand horizons to include injuries as a central problem for child and adult health. The study involves extensive review of published and unpublished literature from the developing world defined as Latin America, Africa and most of Asia. A focus on unintentional injuries - road traffic injuries, falls, burns, and drownings - is used to limit the search. Published information on the epidemiology of injuries in developing countries is scant and of moderate quality. There are documented reports of an increasing burden of unintentional injuries from most developing countries. Road traffic injuries are taking an increasing toll on young productive lives in the developing world. There is great need for better understanding of the problem and attendant risk factors in these countries. The need for interventions to reduce the burden of injuries is also urgent. It is clear that national health systems and health policies are least prepared to address this growing public health challenge.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation the participants will: 1. develop an appreciation of the global burden of injuries 2. learn about the impact of injuries in developing countries in terms of mortality and morbidity 3. identify the critical gaps that need to be filled in order to face this emerging health issue 4. begin to explore some potential responses in the developing world.
Keywords: Injury, Emerging Health Issues
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.