Injury surveillance in developing countries.

In both developed and developing countries, injuries have a substantial effect on the public's health and on quality of life. Although epidemiologic data regarding the occurrence of injuries in developing countries are limited, recent studies have documented substantial injury-related morbidity and mortality in some of these countries. For example, recent studies in rural Papua New Guinea showed that injuries are the leading cause of death for persons ages 15-44 years. Similarly, injuries are the leading cause of hospitalization in Indonesia and Egypt. Surveillance of injuries is necessary in order for public health practitioners and planners in developing countries to direct and allocate scarce resources appropriately.