Musculoskeletal trauma services in Uganda.
Approximately 2000 lives are lost in Uganda annually through road traffic accidents. In Kampala, they account for 39% of all injuries, primarily in males aged 16-44 years. They are a result of rapid motorization and urbanization in a country with a poor economy. Uganda's population is an estimated 28 million with a growth rate of 3.4% per year. Motorcycles and omnibuses, the main taxi vehicles, are the primary contributors to the accidents. Poor roads and drivers compound the situation. Twenty-three orthopaedic surgeons (one for every 1,300,000 people) provide specialist services that are available only at three regional hospitals and the National Referral Hospital in Kampala. The majority of musculoskeletal injuries are managed nonoperatively by 200 orthopaedic officers distributed at the district, regional and national referral hospitals. Because of the poor economy, 9% of the national budget is allocated to the health sector. Patients with musculoskeletal injuries in Uganda frequently fail to receive immediate care due to inadequate resources and most are treated by traditional bonesetters. Neglected injuries typically result in poor outcomes. Possible solutions include a public health approach for prevention of road traffic injuries, training of adequate human resources, and infrastructure development.
Naddumba
E K
EK
Department of Orthopedics, Mulago Hospital, P.O. Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda. enaddumba@yahoo.com
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004501:Education, Medical; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017048:Health Care Costs; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006302:Health Services Research; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D009313:National Health Programs; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016730:Program Development; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*