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Using the WHO Global Database on Child Growth (covers 87% of the total population of under-5-year olds in developing countries), the worldwide distribution of protein-energy malnutrition is described based on nationally representative cross-sectional data gathered between 1980 and 1992 in 79 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania

Epilepsy is an important health problem in developing countries where the prevalence can be up to 57 per 1000 population. The prevalence is particularly high in Latin America and in several African countries notability Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania. Parasitic infections particuarly neurocysticercosis, schistosomiasis, taxoplasmosis, malaria, meningitis and enciphalitis are important etiological factors. Other reasons for the high incidence include intracranial infections, perinatal brain damage, head injuries, toxic agents and hereditary factors. Many of these factors are preventable or modifiable and the introduction of appropriate measures to this could lead to a substantial decrease in the incidence of eplilepsy in those countries.