Citation

Kalla AC. Health Place 1995; 1(4): 227-234.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/1353-8292(95)00031-3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper discusses the concept of health transition with particular reference to fast-modernizing and industrializing countries such as the island state of Mauritius. It displays many special characteristics of islands with respect to rapid demographic and epidemiological changes and the need for increasing services for chronic health conditions. Mauritius shows important levels of suicide, especially amongst the younger population. It also has an ageing population profile and there are growing needs for social support for urban and rural elderly residents. The distinctive persistence of traditional (alternative) sources of health care, which in Mauritius reflect the rich cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the island's inhabitants, are discussed. The paper concludes by identifying the need for new policies and expenditure for public health to enable the island to enhance health gain and to meet the challenges of health transition. © 1995.

Language: en

Keywords

Mauritius; suicide; health policy; social care; health care; developing country; medical geography; traditional medicine; ageing; welfare provision; demographic change; epidemiological change; health transition; healthcare policy; modernization and health; policy implication; policy need