RLE 3M: Integrated Management of Childhood Illness

Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI)

An integrated approach to child health that focuses on the well-being of the whole child. It includes both preventive and therapeutic elements that are implemented by families and communities as well as by health workers in facilities.

Malaria

A serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. Four kinds of parasites infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae.

Measles

An acute viral respiratory illness. It is characterized by a prodrome of fever (as high as 105°F) and malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis (the three Cs), pathognomonic enanthem (Koplik spots) followed by a maculopapular rash external icon.

Pneumonia

An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Can by caused by variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Dysentery

An infection of the intestines that causes diarrhea containing blood or mucus. It is highly infectious and can be passed on if you do not take the right precautions, such as properly and regularly washing your hands.

Dengue Fever

A disease caused by a family of viruses transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with symptoms such as headache, fever, exhaustion, severe muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), and rash.

Three Protocols

1. adapting feeding recommendations

2. identifying and validating locally-used terminology for indications of disease

3. designing and testing an adapted card for counselling mothers.

Follow-Up Visit

During this type of visit, you find out if the treatment given during the initial visit has helped the child. If the child is not improving or is getting worse after a few days, refer the child to a hospital or change their treatment.

IMCI Management Process

1. Assess

2. Classify

3. Identify

4. Treatment

5. Counsel

6. Follow-up care

Pink

urgent prereferral treatment and referral

Yellow

specific medical treatment and advice

Green

simple advice on home management