The True Disease Pattern in East Africa. Part 1

Abstract

Generally, most disease episodes are of short du ration and cause little disability. They are mainly subject to self-<:are and rarely appear in routine reporting systems. In East Africa, however, even serious diseases with severe or long-lasting disability remain unrecorded and unreported, as only a minor proportion of such conditions are seen at modem health care facilities. Official morbidity statistics thus present a very distorted picture of the true situation. This article, the first in a series of two, tries to present a more accurate account of the East African disease pattern on the basis of sample survey findings, routine statistics, and other relevant data. Many of the estimates are very cr..;de and must be seen as 'informed guesses', subject to revision as more complete and reliable data beMme available.