Leprosy care through traditional healers

Abstract

An encouraging increase in the knowledge of leprosy has been found in traditional healers after training has been given. Evaluation was by pre- and post-training questionnaires to which scores were assigned. Their role in leprosy care at the community level is also being discussed. The traditional healer is part and parcel of the social milieu where he commands respect and has an intimate relationship with his clientele. Considering the present manpower in the National Leprosy Control Programme we can think of this alternative approach as a boost. In addition, the negative aspects of health care as practised by many practitioners can also be corrected by the appropriate training.