RESUMO
A character of child health in the tropics is that benign diseases elsewhere become serious and even mortal. Thus, in spite of considerable pediatric care in Togo, diarrhoea, malaria, anaemia, malnutrition, and acute respiratory illness remain prevalent and comprise a formidable "gang of 5" for pediatric pathology. The behaviour patterns of families and the population in general confronted by illnesses may in part be responsible for this situation. A survey was conducted over 3 months and based on a questionnaire given to parents bringing their children for consultation at the hospital (CHU) of Lomé. The following proved important aspects concerning the care of sick children: 1) many communities call upon health centers, only when other avenues of health care have failed. The number of emergency cases presenting themselves is therefore increased markedly, as is the number of deaths; 2) malaria and diarrhoea are the main offenders, while less than half the children affected use chloroquine or RVO; 3) self-medication and traditional medicine dominate alternative health care strategies. As a result, access to official health resources is retarded. In conclusion, the efficiency of prophylactic and curative health care would be improved if simple preventive measures were employed at all levels and based upon cultural values adapted to individual populations.
