Book Description

This book is a revised and enlarged edition of "The Primary Health Worker," a standard teaching text and reference manual developed for community health workers and their trainers and supervisors. The new edition has been updated with practical knowledge gained during the extensive field use of the previous work. The book also incorporates new information acquired in programs sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) for immunization and control of diarrheal disease. The most extensive part of the book is a working guide set out in 52 training and reference units. These have been selected as representing areas where community health workers can make a significant contribution toward the solution of problems in developing countries. Chapters include knowing your community, promoting a healthy environment, keeping the family healthy, health care of women and children, treating sick people, and getting the work done. The new edition also features more advice on ways to prevent diseases and secure community support, as well as on what to do when confronted with health problems, sanitation, or accidents. Also included are precise instructions for the correct performance of such basic procedures as the disinfection of drinking water, the building of latrines, injections, and the use of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The remaining sections present guidelines for the trainers of community health workers and for the preparation of local editions or adaptations of this book. (KC)