Citation

Zavala DE, Bokongo S, John IA, Mpanga SI, Mtonga RE, Aminu ZM, Odhiambo W, Olupot-Olupot P. J. Public Health Policy 2007; 28(4): 432-441.

Affiliation

Ponce School of Medicine, Puerto Rico. dzavala@psm.edu

Erratum On

J Public Health Policy 2008;29(1):148

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group -- Palgrave-Macmillan)

DOI

10.1057/palgrave.jphp.3200154

PMID

17955008

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.

Language: en