Throughout the past 25 years, many Afghan medical personnel (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) have had NO ACCESS to current accepted medical practice and its evolution in the care of the patient. One IAM Team Member physician has been committed to improving this access. In a review of literature for accepted world-wide medical practice for developing countries and a study of traditional and cultural medical practice, he wrote the “Practical Paediatric Guide” which can be used by doctors, nurses, pharmacists, parents, teachers, students. This book describes symptoms, environmental risks, basic exam techniques, traditional treatments, recommended diagnostic tests, what to do when you don’t have access to laboratories, recommended treatment, and follow-up. Its greatest value is that it considers aspects of Afghanistan culture that would not be found in any general literature. Written in English, it has been translated into Dari, the main local language, and published by a reputable dealer in Pakistan. Widely accepted in 1999, it has been distributed in all major cities, and within major NGOs. Its price is subsidized for the Afghan population to directly purchase, while NGOs and other expatriates pay a higher cost.
In many developing countries, drugs are considered to be the answer to illness; the more drugs, the better. Many physicians prescribe 3 antibiotics for every illness, and 2-3 vitamins. Because the poor cannot purchase this many drugs, they often will ask the pharmacist to give them 1-2 days worth of all the drugs, and then do not purchase the remaining amount. This practice has led to the widespread resistance of some major illnesses to common antibiotics. In 1999, the “Practical Drug Guide” was also published which listed major drugs recommended by the WHO, and/or sold in the bazaar, with recommended usage, dosage, and precautions. This very useful book has also been translated, and can be purchased in English, Dari, and Pashto.
As of 2005, both of these publications will be updated with new and relevant material. This IAM Team Member has also encouraged the recent publication of “Practical Guide to Mental Health Problems” written by another Team Member, for distribution to medical personnel and community health personnel throughout the country for an Afghan subsidized price.
Other Team Members have been in consultation to develop a book for nurses involved in Eye Care. This book is currently in the review stage and will be published next year.
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