Injuries and noncommunicable diseases: emerging health problems of children in developing countries

The present article identifies, for children living in developing countries , the major causes of ill-health that are inadequately covered by establish ed health programmes. Injuries and noncommunicable diseases, notably asthma , epilepsy, dental caries, diabetes mellitus and rheumatic heart disease, a re growing in significance. In countries where resources are scarce it is t o be expected that increasing importance will be attached to the developmen t and implementation of measures against these problems. Their control may benefit from the application of elements of programmes directed against inf ectious, nutritional and perinatal disorders, which continue to predominate .