Guide for the introduction of integrated management of childhood illness

This manual provides guidelines to help developing countries begin introducing IMCI into their health care systems. Chapter 2 explains how to make an informed decision as to whether or not to introduce IMCI, and, if so, how to develop a preparatory plan, while chapter three describes how to gather information necessary for an IMCI program from a rapid assessment of the existing child health care system. Chapter 4 addresses three management questions: what is the role of national and regional managers in child health delivery; who should be involved in IMCI at the national and regional levels; and how should the IMCI initiative be coordinated and managed at these levels. Chapter 5 provides a comprehensive training strategy and plan; IMCI is based on hands-on, practical training, including communication skills, provided through formal courses and on-the-job training. Chapter 6 focuses on identifying national and regional policies that are inconsistent with IMCI, as well as those aspects of IMCI that will be influenced by policy decisions, while chapter 7 addresses drug management issues, including drug availability patterns and bottlenecks and how to take appropriate action. Chapter 8 outlines preparatory steps in developing and implementing an IMCI information, education, and communication (IEC) plan. An additional chapter, on monitoring and evaluation, will be added to the 1997 edition of the manual. Annexes include a list of IMCI drugs; sample protocols for collecting the information discussed in each of the chapters, particularly chapter four; resources for developing an IEC strategy; and WHO/UNICEF IMCI charts for guiding the health worker"s treatment of the sick child.