The history of paediatric trauma care in Cape Town

van As, A B (Sebastian); Rode, Heinz

The history of paediatric trauma care in Cape Town

Journal Article

2006

Journal Title

South African Medical Journal

Link to Journal

http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj

Publisher

Health and Medical Publishing Group

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Division of Paediatric Surgery

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and disability in childhood. In most developed countries where 18% of the population are in the age group 0 - 15 years, injury exceeds all other causes of childhood mortality. In the developing countries of Africa, however, children aged 0 - 15 years constitute 43% of the population and trauma has an even bigger impact on child health.There is an erroneous perception that trauma is not a major health problem in Africa, derived from undue emphasis on mortality statistics alone. Yet, the impact of trauma ought to be measured not only in terms of death, but also the tremendous morbidity and disability caused by injuries, and their socioeconomic consequences.