Success Story: Introduction of IMCI Improves Health Worker Performance and Quality of Care in Diyala

The IMCI program aims to reduce child and neonatal mortality by providing healthcare providers with the necessary skills and knowledge to properly diagnose, treat, and document childhood illnesses. The program has been implemented in several primary health care clinics (PHCCs) in the Almuqdadia district, where healthcare providers have received training in IMCI methods. Dr. Qais Hasan, the district director, has expressed optimism about the benefits of the IMCI program, stating that it ensures the combined treatment of major childhood illnesses and emphasizes prevention of disease through immunization and improved nutrition. Healthcare providers trained in IMCI have reported improved care flow and patient outcomes. Staff at the Alzahraa PHCC in Almuqdadia district have mentioned that they have learned how to treat patients and fill out IMCI records, resulting in more efficient care. The PHCCs reached by the project have the ability to properly diagnose, treat, and document childhood illnesses, contributing to the reduction of child and neonatal mortality. The success of the IMCI program is attributed to the implementation of staff training and follow-up sessions. Dr. Qais Hasan has emphasized the importance of continued implementation in the Almuqdadia district, with the goal of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 for 2015. The PHCPI aims to strengthen the Primary Health Care system, critical for achieving the Ministry of Health's strategic goal of improved quality of Primary Health Care services and overall healthcare outcomes for Iraq. The implementation of the IMCI program has been a collaborative effort between the PHCPI and the Iraqi Ministry of Health. The program has shown promising results, with healthcare providers reporting improved care flow and patient outcomes. The continued success of the IMCI program will contribute to the reduction of child and neonatal mortality in Iraq, ultimately achieving the MDGs 4 and 5 for 2015.