We conducted a cross-sectional study combining active (household-based survey) and passive case finding (health services-based survey) to determine the burden and clinical epidemiology of wounds within the Taabo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in rural Côte d'Ivoire. The scale of the problem including preventable progression to chronic wounds, disability and systemic complications is largely unaddressed. All rights reserved.ĭata on the burden and clinical epidemiology of skin wounds in rural sub-Saharan Africa is scant. These statistics indicate the need for an urgent review of burn policies and related legislation across the sub-Saharan region to help reduce burns, and provide a safe environment for children.Ĭopyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. The burn mortality averaged 17%, or the death of one of every five burn victims.

Scalds were the commonest cause of thermal injuries, accounting for 59% of all burns, while flame burns accounted for 33%. Males constituted 55% of those who suffered burns. Children aged 10 years and below represented over 80% of the burn patient population. Lack of data that can be used in legislation and policy formulation is a major hindrance in highlighting the problem of burns in this sub-region.Īn online search of publications on burns from sub-Saharan countries was performed.Ī total of 54 publications with 32,862 patients from 14 countries qualified for inclusion in the study. There is little investment in preventive measures, pre-hospital, in-hospital and post-discharge care of burns, resulting in high numbers of burns, high morbidity and mortality. The management of these injuries in sub-Saharan Africa is a challenge because of multiple other competing problems such as infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria), terrorist acts and political instability.

Burns are important preventable causes of morbidity and mortality, with a disproportionate incidence in sub-Saharan Africa.

Anyburn review