sahr2001 - Health Systems Trust

17 • Health and Related Indicators
Child Health
The incidence of diarrhoea is used to determine the health status of children
and identify potential environmental hazards (e.g. contamination of water
sources). Diarrhoeal disease is one of the leading causes of infant mortality,
and is closely related to both socio-economic situation and environmental
health issues like access to clean water.
Immunisation indicators are used to assist with operational planning for full
immunisation coverage.
Health care for children is a high priority issue, that is also linked to general
development, since many preventable diseases can be addressed by improving
basic health conditions such as water and sanitation and access to health
resources. Leading causes of child death are injuries (19%), intestinal
infections (14%) and respiratory infections (11.5%) [Children in 2001, End
Decade Report on Children]. HIV/AIDS is also affecting children in many
ways, ultimately increasing child mortality and the number of orphans – see
sections on Mortality and HIV/AIDS. Data are not yet available on the recently
implemented prevention of mother-to-child-transmission programme.
Definitions:
Diarrhoea Incidence