A multinational injury surveillance system pilot project in Africa.
This paper describes the development of a pilot project to test the implementation of an epidemiological surveillance system for intentional (violent) and non-intentional injuries, at emergency departments in selected hospitals in five African countries applying the World Health Organization's guidelines. We outline obstacles and opportunities encountered during the process. By definition, a surveillance system systematically collects, reviews, and evaluates information to understand the context in which specific injuries occur. Implementation in diverse sociocultural environments in Zambia, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Kenya has provided an opportunity to gather reliable data on injuries for comparisons between these countries. Analysis of the detailed information may permit researchers to generate evidence-based recommendations. Addressed to public authorities, and health authorities in particular, they can help address injury incidence in their communities from a public health perspective.
Zavala
Diego E
DE
Ponce School of Medicine, Puerto Rico. dzavala@psm.edu
Bokongo
Simon
S
John
Ime A
IA
Mpanga
Senoga Ismail
SI
Mtonga
Robert E
RE
Aminu
Zakari Mohammed
ZM
Odhiambo
Walter
W
Olupot-Olupot
Peter
P
D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016730:Program Development; D012307:Risk Factors; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*