Abstract
Disability is a major health, economic and psychological problem and affecting no less than I0% of the world's population. Although it may be estimated that about half of all disabilities can be prevented or postponed, such preventive methods have not received sufficient emphasis within the health services in most countries. Preliminary figures from Indonesia show that 40-50% of the population have chronic impairments and 15-20% chronic functional limitations and disabilities. Studies carried out in other developing countries confirm these prevalence figures.
