by Paul Courtright (British Columbia Centre for Epidemiologic & International Opthalmology, Canada) , Susan Lewallen (British Columbia Centre for Epidemiologic & International Opthalmology, Canada) , Moses Chirambo (WHO Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness, Malawi) , Harjinder Chana (Norwegian Association for the Blind, Zimbabwe) , & Steve Kanjaloti (Chikwawa District Hospital, Malawi)

Contents (6k)
Preface (5k)
Section 1: Rationale: Why Work with Traditional Healers? (15k)

Traditional healers are plentiful and are culturally accepted health care providers throughout Africa and much of the developing world. Until recently, however, few traditional healers have been involved in primary eye care activities. Findings from existing collaborative programmes suggest that healers can be a positive force for community-based prevention of blindness.

The aim of this publication is twofold: Section 1 gives brief background information on traditional healers and explains why they should be involved in the prevention of blindness activities; Section 2 makes specific recommendations for working with healers and may serve as a training manual.

• Section 1:
  • Rationale: Why Work with Traditional Healers?
  • Background Information on Traditional Healers in Africa
  • Traditional Eye Practices
  • Collaborating with Traditional Healers
• Section 2:
  • Teaching Traditional Healers Curriculum Structure
• Teaching Units:
  • Orientation
  • Cataract
  • Trichiasis
  • Assessing Vision
  • Red Eye
  • Neonatal Conjunctivitis and Other Childhood Eye Diseases
  • General Health, Hygiene and Nutrition
  • Referral and Continuing Education