WHO-Supported Injury Surveillance Activities in Africa: Mozambique and Ethiopia

Abstract

The ability to plan effective injury prevention strategies is dependent upon understanding the magnitude of the problem. The lack of reliable and detailed information on the circumstances leading to the injuries limits the ability of many countries to gain an understanding of the problem. In areas where the information exists, different coding standards often limit the usefulness of the data to accurately describe the magnitude of the injuries. To help address this issue, the World Health Organisation (WHO), working with its partners, has taken important steps to build capacity for injury surveillance in low- and middle-income countries. This short report outlines the organisation and methodology for injury surveillance in Ethiopia and Mozambique: two examples of WHO-supported injury surveillance projects in the African region.


African Safety Promotion Vol.1(2) 2002: 34-37