Use of indicators in achieving 'Health for All' in South Africa, 1987

This review evaluates South Africa's performance in achieving health when measured against the World Health Organization's global indicators designed to achieve 'Health for All' by the year 2000. As this programme has not been implemented in South Africa, a need exists for this country to announce indicators and targets. South Africa meets the World Health Organization's targets in terms of health expenditure but available information on many of the other indicators suggest that a large segment of the population falls outside the targets set. Lack of immunisation and poor nutrition are reflected in unacceptably high infant mortality rates and relatively low life expectancies. As accurate data are needed for planning at both national and local levels a national health survey should be conducted.