Does "Coining" cure malaria?

This afternoon the malaria clinics discussion continued. One of the students thought he had malaria so the blood test that we learned about earlier was performed on him. It turns out he did not have malaria but he over generalized flu like symptoms and just assumed he had malaria. This is very typical of the mind set they Barefoot Dr. will run across in the villages and is a good reminder to us we have a long way to go in this program. 

Example of "Coining"

The students still commonly use “traditional medicine” techniques passed down from old Chinese superstition. You can see in the picture on this page this student also tried a home remedy common in Burma. This is a good example of “coining” where a coin is scrapped across the skin in lines until it causes mild red colored bruising. The philosophy of this program is not to stop such practices unless it is dangerous or harmful. In stead we try and educate the students on what we know scientifically but we try not to impose our opinions or change their culture.

Later, nurse Betty discussed epilepsy, pneumonia, the use of antibiotics, seizures, and dental hygiene.   Betty also explained the dangers of medicine and how sometimes drugs that are used for good can also be harmful. Then she was discussing dental hygiene and we passed out toothbrushes and toothpaste to each student donated by an anonymous donor.

Students get toothbrushes