title: A multinational injury surveillance system pilot project in Africa.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Ponce School of Medicine, Puerto Rico. dzavala@psm.edu
authors.forename: Diego E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Zavala
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bokongo
authors.forename: Ime A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: John
authors.forename: Senoga Ismail
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Mpanga
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Mtonga
authors.forename: Zakari Mohammed
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Aminu
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Odhiambo
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Olupot-Olupot
mesh_terms: 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*