Trauma provision in South-West Nigeria: Epidemiology, challenges and priorities

Abstract

Trauma is a crucial public health problem that has been overlooked by developing countries including Nigeria. It has led to a worsening trauma trend as recent data suggests. The South-West Region of Nigeria remains one of the regions with the most injury prevalence. Since the introduction of the trauma system over half a century ago, regionalised trauma systems have become increasingly effective in changing the dynamics of trauma care and outcomes. However, similar to most developing countries trauma system is yet to be established in any region in Nigeria. This is also met by a lack of a centralised trauma registry, poor implementation of primary prevention practices, an informal prehospital care system, and poorly organised in-hospital care for trauma victims. Reversing these challenges could be a propelling force to the revolution of trauma provision in the region and extension to the nation, Africa, and other developing countries. Nevertheless, the stakeholders such as the government, legislature, Non-Governmental-Organisations, law-enforcement agencies, healthcare institutions, trauma experts, and the public have a huge role.