Comprehensive Guide to Eye, ENT, and Oral Health: A Must-Read Manual for School Teachers and FCHVs

Health education is the cornerstone of a thriving community. Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population has taken a significant step forward with the Eye, ENT and Oral Health Manual for School Teachers and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). Published in 2019 (Nepali year 2076), this bilingual manual is available in Nepali and English. It serves as an indispensable tool for educators and health volunteers. They can promote eye, ear, nose, throat (ENT), and oral health among students and community members. Whether you’re a teacher shaping young minds or an FCHV working at the grassroots level, this guide offers practical insights. It provides evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage common health issues. Let’s dive into its key features and sections to understand why it’s a must-have resource.

Key Features of the Manual

Bilingual Accessibility
Designed for widespread use in Nepal, the manual seamlessly blends Nepali and English, ensuring clarity for diverse readers. The title page is by the Department of Health Services in Teku, Kathmandu. It provides detailed health advice. It caters to both local educators who are fluent in Nepali and those volunteers who are comfortable with English.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
The manual is divided into three core sections. The sections are Eye Health, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Health, and Oral Health. Each section addresses anatomy, common ailments, prevention strategies, and referral processes, making it a holistic guide for non-medical professionals.
Practical Tips for Everyday Use
For eye care, wash your eyes with clean water. Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. The manual offers simple, actionable steps. It emphasizes early detection and timely referral to health centers, empowering users to act swiftly.
Focus on Vulnerable Populations
Special attention is given to children, pregnant women, and the elderly—groups prone to health challenges. For instance, it highlights Vitamin A supplementation for kids to prevent night blindness and oral care tips for expectant mothers.
Visual and Emergency Guidance
While the OCR text lacks images, the manual likely includes diagrams (e.g., tooth structure, eye anatomy) and emergency protocols, such as managing eye injuries or throat obstructions, vital for quick response in rural settings.

Highlighted Sections

Eye Health (Pages 15-22)
This section kicks off with stark statistics: globally, 2.2 billion people face vision issues (WHO, 2019), and in Nepal, 0.35% of the population is blind (2011 survey). It covers major conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, and night blindness, offering symptoms (e.g., squinting, difficulty reading) and care tips (e.g., eating Vitamin A-rich foods like eggs and leafy greens).
ENT Health (Pages 12, 35-38)
Focused on ear, nose, and throat care, it explains hearing loss and sinusitis. It also covers tonsillitis and vocal hygiene. Teachers and FCHVs learn to spot signs like chronic ear infections or hoarseness and guide individuals to specialists when needed.
Oral Health (Pages 13, 60-97)
From tooth decay to oral cancer, this section is a treasure trove of knowledge. It details brushing techniques, the dangers of tobacco and paan, and preventive measures like regular dental checkups. A standout feature is its debunking of myths, such as “tooth extraction affects eyesight.”
Contributors and Credibility (Page 102)
Backed by experts like Dr. Guna Raj Lohani (Director General, DoHS) and Dr. Prakash Budhathoki (Senior Dental Surgeon), the manual reflects rigorous input from Nepal’s top health professionals.

Why It Matters

In Nepal, where geographic remoteness and limited healthcare access pose challenges, this manual bridges the gap. It aligns with the 2015 Constitution and 2014 Health Policy, aiming to make health services universal. By equipping teachers and FCHVs, it utilizes those who interact daily with communities. This fosters a proactive approach to health. It helps in reducing preventable conditions like blindness and tooth decay.

Download the Official Document

This manual isn’t just a document—it’s a movement toward healthier communities. Whether you’re teaching a classroom or visiting homes as an FCHV, its insights can transform lives. Download it, share it, and let’s build a healthier Nepal together!