Citation

Eksteen R, Mohamed K, Pretorius K. Afr. Safety Promot. 2011; 9(2): 43-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The morbidity and mortality resulting from unintentional and intentional childhood injuries is a key area of concern for low-to middle-income countries (LMICs) around the world. In particular, childhood-related injury and mortality estimates in LMICs such as South Africa make up a considerable proportion of the global burden which epidemiological predictions have indicated are likely to increase over the next decade.
Like many other African countries, South Africa faces an unprecedented burden of preventable morbidity and mortality due to violence and unintentional injury. Therefore the prevention of violence and unintentional injury remains a critical public health and development priority. There is a notable lack of research and demonstration programmes to support injury prevention and safety promotion in South Africa. The absence of both theoretical and practical research in the area as well as the impoverished nature of community based infrastructure in Africa have resulted in large knowledge gaps in both the local science base and the injury prevention sector. This is particularly with reference to crime, violence and injury reduction in children. Accordingly, the collaboration between the University of South Africa (UNISA) Institute for Social and Health Sciences (ISHS) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) has committed itself to the demonstration, promotion and reinforcement of child safety through the formation of the Safety and Peace Promotion Research Unit (SAPPRU). This was central to the demonstrations prepared for the UNISA Research and Innovation week.

Language: en