Collaboration with African Traditional Healers for the Prevention of Blindness

Book excerpt: 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.