Centenary of the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences

From the pursuit of excellence to the quest for significance: Promotion of a Childsafe South Africa

A B van As, Alastair J W Millar

Abstract


Trauma represents a major burden of disease in South Africa. Children are disproportionately affected by trauma; rightly, childhood trauma can be referred to as ‘the neglected childhood killer disease’. Unlike the field of infectious diseases, where vaccinations and prevention are the norm, paediatric trauma is usually ignored and prevention strategies are scarce. In this article, we review paediatric trauma and its effect on our society in light of the development of more effective child safety promotion strategies.

Authors' affiliations

A B van As, Trauma Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town

Alastair J W Millar, Paediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town

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Keywords

Accident Prevention, Children, Safety, Trauma

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2012;102(6):427-428.

Article History

Date submitted: 2012-01-11
Date published: 2012-03-02

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