This well established text addresses both the requirements of the new nursing education programmes and southern Africa's community needs. New edition updates: - Updated infection control practices - Revised update of the southern African disease profile - Refreshed genetics chapters Table of contents: Chapter 1: Overview of health Chapter 2: The United Nations and the World Health Organization Chapter 3: Health policy and systems in South Africa and the southern African regions Chapter 4: Primary healthcare and promoting health through health education Chapter 5: Epidemiology and health information Chapter 6: Non-communicable diseases Chapter 7: Microbiology and the transmission of infection Chapter 8: Infection prevention and control Chapter 9: Communicable diseases Chapter 10: Genetic factors in health and disease Chapter 11: Health needs through the lifespan Chapter 12: Home accidents Chapter 13: Social and mental health Chapter 14: Sustainable development Chapter 15: Environmental sustainability Chapter 16: Safe water and sanitation Chapter 17: Nutrition and food safety

The health of Southern Africa is a source of reference on public and community health for those concerned with the health and well-being of the populations of southern Africa. It is a title for those dealing with the demographics of the region, and the developmental issues that impact on health. This edition opens by giving an overview of the current issues in health in southern Africa, addressing the health status in the SADC Region. It addresses issues of demography, disease profile, social, economic and political issues and the threats that impact on health. The authors have updated information on the current legislation and the current health system in the region. Importantly, an overview of health promotion efforts and needs, which includes health education, are given, and the role and functions of the various United Nations agencies in the AFRO region -- the WHO mainly, but also UNICEF, UNAIDS etc. As an introductory title to public and community health, the title includes essential information about epidemiology. It also addresses data collection and the generation of health information and the importance thereof in health. Given the impact of the HIV/Aids pandemic on the region, the title deals in depth with the disease. Also included is information about the chronic diseases prevalent in the region and common genetic issues and health. Communicable diseases prevalent in the region are addressed, especially AIDS, TB and Malaria. Mother and child health in southern Africa, adolescent, reproductive health (including men's health) and the health issues of the elderly are all addressed in Section 2, which deals with creating an enabling environment for health.