Neonatal surgical problems in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania

Analysis of admission to the Neonatal Unit of Muhimbili Hospital, Dar es Salaam, during the year October 1974 to September 1975, shows that about 3 per cent of the cases were Surgical of which nearly two-thirds had congenital malformations in the Head and Neck, Extremities and Spine. Among the major common anomalies were SPINA BIFIDA, POLY-DACTYLY, and other Musculo-Skeletal malformations. Comparison of the incidence of some of the major congenital anomalies between Dar es Salaam and LIVERPOOL, and the World incidence, shows an apparently lower incidence of most of the malformations in Dar es Salaam than elsewhere in the World. A study is currently under way to determine the incidence and pattern of congenital malformations throughout Tanzania.