Homicide-related injuries in Saint Lucia - abstract

ABSTRACT

For World Health Day, April 7, 1993, the World Health Organization (WHO) released information on male homicides, quoting men in Saint Lucia with the highest rate worldwide, 22.8 per 100,000 (1988 data). The Government of Saint Lucia investigated its homicide rates and those of selected countries (Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the USA) for 1987-1992, using the most recent available figures. On comparison of the calculated standardized rates for male homicides (direct method), Saint Lucia no longer ranked number one worldwide for male homicide rates. This analysis led to the passing of a resolution in September, 1993 at the XXXVII Meeting of the Directing Council of PAHO/WHO whereby, before information on specific aspects on countries is released to the press, its accuracy be checked and the consequences for the country concerned considered (AU)