Chronic Illness

The Eye Care/Prevention of Blindness Programme aims to prevent eye conditions that can lead to blindness, treat existing eye conditions to prevent further damage to vision, and where possible, offer interventions to restore vision and to enhance the quality of sight.

These are cost-effective and user-friendly treatment guidelines aimed at preventing acquired hearing impairment as a result of chronic otitis media. The primary target group for prevention and treatment is children aged between zero and six years and health professionals, and the secondary target population is children between seven and 14 years of age and the general public.

These guidelines deal with how to effectively manage people with hypertension at primary healthcare level. Prevention of high blood pressure and education on how to do this is covered in the guidelines.

Guidelines for health workers on how to educate women about the prevention of osteoporosis at primary healthcare level, how to diagnose osteoporosis and how to treat and manage patients at specialised levels of care such as hospitals.

Information on what elderly people can do to prevent the onset of debilitating chronic illnesses associated with lifestyle. Preventative measures suggested include exercising, controlling the consumption of tobacco and alcohol and a healthy diet.

These guidelines help health professionals diagnose asthma and also assist them with developing a partnership with patients so that the disease can be managed successfully. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and are shown how to prevent asthma attacks.