Implementation of research in the homelands

The influence of urbanisation and a Western way of life is discussed in relation to the establishment of physiological norms and the epidemiology of disease in the homelands. The importance of continued research in these areas as a means of continuous assessment of the basic health state of the community is stressed. Once the basic health state has been established priority for health needs can be determined against the background of total appreciation of community resources. Attention is drawn to the 'implementation gap' which has thus far largely inhibited effective disease control and health promotion in the homelands, in spite of the wealth of research data available on the prevalence of illness in these communities.