PROBLEMS, STRUGGLES AND SOME SUCCESS WITH SPINAL-CORD INJURY IN ZIMBABWE

Spinal cord injury is a common occurrence in Zimbabwe and carries with it a high morbidity and mortality. In the past almost all patients di scharged from hospital were dead within a year. Reasons for this high mortality are presented. The establishment of the National Rehabilitat ion Centre has had a profound impact on the survival of these individu als as well as on improving their quality of life. The results of a re trospective survey on the mortality and life situation of individuals with spinal cord injuries sustained through trauma are presented. Howe ver major unresolved problems are inadequate housing, lack of financia l support, practically no prospect of employment and depression compou nded by boredom.