Describes and explains the actions that can be taken to prevent or treat each of the main causes of childhood blindness. Taking a public health approach, the book encourages its readers to understand the many new possibilities for prevention opened up by striking recent advaces in knowledge and technology. Strategies for prevention, which are relevant to developed as well as developing countries, take their focus from the growing conviction that much childhood disability can now be prevented. The opening chapter provides a brief summary of the global prevalence and epidemiology of childhood blindness, noting that each year an estimated half a million children become blind. The second chapter provides a detailed explanation of the many complex factors that influence some 20 causes of blindness occurring during the prenatal period, the neonatal period, and childhood. Each cause of blindness is discussed in terms of factors influencing occurrence and severity, prevalence, clinical features, and measures for prevention and treatment. Descriptions are supported by 7 colour plates illustrating the most prevalent blinding diseases. The third chapter, which concentrates on strategies for prevention, features a seven-page tabular outline of measures that can be taken, at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, in order to prevent each of the main causes of childhood blindness. Requirements in terms of human resources, training, facilities and supplies are also specified. Other chapters, concerned with programme implementation, list the major areas that can be tackled by blindness prevention programmes and discuss the special contribution that can be made by nongovernmental organizations. The book concludes with an agenda for future action based on 14 specific priority areas.

eng fre spa.

hin ind tam.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

4